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Sexual abuse and suicidal issues in Australian young people. An interim report
P Beckinsale1, G Martin, S Clark
1RACGP Quality Assurance and Continuing Education Program, Adelaide, South Australia. paul.beckinsale@racgp.org.au
Background:
Youth suicide remains a significant issue in Australian society with suicide rates among young males being of particular concern. While there are many antecedents for suicidal behaviours one that is often overlooked is sexual abuse. In particular, sexual abuse in males has the potential to be an easily overlooked issue and yet may lead to significant emotional distress.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to identify if sexual abuse played a significant role in depression and suicide risk, including suicidal intent.
Discussion:
This study supports an apparent high prevalence of sexual abuse in young Australians and indicates that such abuse contributes to a number of health risk behaviours including self harm and suicidal intent. General practitioners need to be aware of this as a suicidal risk factor and need to raise it in discussion with any young person who presents with significant health risk behaviours such as drug taking, sexual risk taking and self harm.