Sexual Abuse and Suicidal Issues in Australian Young People: an Interim Report

This study examined whether sexual abuse played a significant role in depression & suicide risk, including suicidal intent. A cohort of 3144 young Australians who visited a general practitioner in 1997-98 were studied. Results support an apparent high prevalence of sexual abuse in young Australians & indicates that such abuse contributes to a number of health risk behaviours including self-harm & suicidal intent. General practitioners need to be aware of this as a suicide risk factor. (16 refs.)