Interpersonal violence victimization and suicidal ideation: An examination in criminal offenders

Background: Offenders are at elevated risk for interpersonal violence victimization (IVV), which is a risk factor for suicide-related outcomes in some populations, suggesting the importance of examining risk associated with IVV in offenders. Aims: The present study examined the association between IVV and suicidal ideation (SI) among criminal offenders in a pretrial jail diversion program in the United States. Methods: 266 offenders were screened for ten common Axis I psychiatric disorders along with current SI and past-year IVV. Results: Past-year IVV was significantly associated with current SI, and the association remained significant after adjusting for symptoms of ten Axis I psychiatric disorders, respectively and simultaneously. Gender did not moderate the IVV-SI association. Conclusions: The findings support a connection between IVV and SI in criminal offenders.