The Direct Connection: Suicide Prevention and Child Abuse Prevention
September is National Suicide Prevention Month.
Summer is wrapping up and fall is quickly approaching. And as we are saying goodbye to the adventures that only summer can bring, we shift our attention to the cooling down of the weather, the upcoming holiday season, and then the end of another year. But before we start sipping on apple cider or carving pumpkins, I want us to hold space for those that have been affected by suicide.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. During this month, suicide prevention efforts from various organizations unite to bring awareness and provide tools to make it easier to notice when someone is struggling and to offer support. As a children’s advocacy center, whose goal is to prevent child abuse, joining forces to bring awareness and resources around suicide prevention during the month of September is crucial.
More and more research demonstrates the connection between childhood abuse and suicidality. In fact, the numbers are staggering. Psychologists at the University of Manchester and the University of South Wales concluded the following:
- If a child has experienced sexual abuse, they are three times more likely to attempt suicide
- If a child has experienced physical abuse, they are two and a half times more likely to attempt suicide
- If a child has experienced mental injury or neglect, they are two and a half times more likely to attempt suicide
The hardest statistic is that children who experience poly-victimization, or multiple forms of abuse, are five times more likely to attempt suicide. Why is this the hardest statistic? Because we know that as many as 20% of American children are poly-victims. So where do you even begin? There are local organizations that provide support and resources, including intervention, prevention, and advocacy, for individuals and families. If you or someone you know needs support, here is a short list of organizations to guide them to:
- Lines for Life (statewide)
- Central Oregon Suicide Prevention Alliance (regional)
o COSPA also provides county specific resources for Central Oregon residents
Want another step? Become educated in child abuse prevention. Preventing child abuse will have a DIRECT affect on the number of children and adults that attempt suicide in their lifetime.
Have more questions? Reach out to KIDS Center. We have therapists and family advocates who can help guide you to resources. Or sign up for a prevention training to learn how to support and protect children in our community.
If you or someone you know is in a crisis, call 911 or the national suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
