Intergenerational Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence as Familial Risk Factors for Lifetime Attempted Suicide Among Battered Women

This study examines the impact of intergenerational substance abuse & exposure to domestic violence on the lifetime attempted suicide history of adult, minority, battered women residing in a domestic violence shelter. Results revealed that battered women with a history of suicide attempts were more likely to report substance abuse among both first-degree & second-degree relatives than were women without attempt histories. They were also more likely to report witnessing the physical abuse of their mothers. The multiple impacts of extended family are discussed in light of these findings. (36 refs)