Mediators of Suicidal Ideation Within a Sheltered Sample of Raped and Battered Women

This study examined the relationship between intimate partner rape & suicide ideation in a sheltered sample of battered women. 50 women were recruited from a regional shelter in a midwestern city in the United States. 58% had experienced intimate partner rape. More than one-third of the sample confirmed experiencing suicide ideation at least some of the time within the past week. Experiencing intimate partner rape was significantly associated with suicide ideation & symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder & depression. Tests of mediation revealed that both posttraumatic stress disorder & derpessive symptoms mediated the relationship between intimate partner rape & suicide ideation. (33 refs.)