This briefing evaluates the relationship between child abuse (particularly sexual abuse) and other risk factors present during childhood, and subsequent suicide attempts. It concludes that suicide ideation is a common feature of children and young people who have experienced maltreatment or are at risk of maltreatment.
Findings are discussed in detail under the following headings: incidence rates; behaviours prior to suicide in a developmental context; sexual victimisation; school bullying and suicide; vulnerable populations and incidence rates; developmental considerations; the role of the media and the internet; recommendations for future research and practice.