Abuse and Suicidal Issues in Older Women

Abstract

Physical and sexual abuses are traumatic experiences for women. Many older women who suffer from depression and express suicidal ideation are victims of past and/or present abuse. This study reports the results of a study of 364 women aged fifty-five years and older who were former patients in one of three psychiatric facilities in Virginia. Detailed chart reviews provided the data to determine the relationship between abuse and suicidal issues in these older women. Results of the study show that women with identified suicidal issues (attempts and/or ideation) had significantly more prior victimization (child abuse, rape, battering) than women without suicidal issues. Review of existing literature and results of the present study suggest the importance of assessing for past and/or present physical and sexual abuse in older suicidal women. Assessment issues are discussed.