Systematic review of the prevalence of suicidal ideation and behavior in minors who have been sexually abused

Abstract

The experience of sexual abuse in childhood is a serious public health problem that is associated with suicidal behavior in numerous cases. Awareness of the relation between the experience of sexual abuse in childhood with suicidal ideation and behavior in adolescence is relevant in academic and professional terms.

Method. A systematic review was made of published studies on the prevalence of suicide among childhood victims of sexual abuse in the European Union. Studies cited in the PsycINFO, Scopus and MEDLINE Web of Science databases were retrieved using the terms: “sexual abuse” AND “child” AND “suicide” AND “prevalence” OR “incidence”.

Results. The results obtained from the 16 studies reviewed show a high frequency of suicidal ideation and behavior in these victims and highlight a serious consequence of sexual abuse that seems to affect a significant number of minors. The victims of childhood sexual abuse have a 2- to 3-fold higher risk of suicidal ideation and 3- to 4-fold higher risk of attempted suicide than nonvictims.

Conclusions. In the health care field, it is important to understand the specific short-term and long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse, which could improve the effectiveness of intervention in victims and treatment for those at increased risk of suicide.