Co-occurrence of Intimate Partner Violence and Suicide Mortality Among Adolescents and Young Adults in the United States.

Abstract

Purpose: Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10-24 in the United States (US). Intimate partner violence (IPV) is also prevalent, and studies suggest that IPV is associated with youth suicide risk. However, limited research has investigated such associations. We conducted an in-depth analysis of youth suicides that were preceded by or coincided with IPV (i.e., IPV-related) to characterize how decedents were involved in IPV, IPV types experienced, and prior legal systems involvement.

Methods: Using US National Violent Death Reporting System (2014-2018) data for suicide decedents aged 7-24 (n = 15,430 deaths), we manually reviewed case narratives for IPV-related suicides (n = 882) and coded details concerning IPV circumstances. We conducted bivariate analyses to compare IPV-related suicides to other (non-IPV) youth suicides and examined differences in antecedent circumstances between IPV perpetrators (n = 651) and victims (n = 81) using multivariable logistic regression.

Results: Among IPV-related suicides, most decedents were male and were described as IPV perpetrators. Physical IPV was most frequently reported. Compared to decedents with a history of IPV perpetration, decedents with a history of IPV victimization were more often female and younger. Narratives of IPV victim decedents had higher odds of reporting physical IPV; narratives of IPV perpetrator decedents had higher odds of reporting psychological IPV.

Discussion: Future research should explore the relationship between IPV perpetration and suicide and potential impacts on surviving partners. Research and practice should seek to develop effective assessments and interventions for young people that address IPV and suicide risk simultaneously.