Men, suicide, and family and interpersonal violence: A mixed methods exploratory study

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Criminology
• Public Health

Background:

• The intricate relationship between gender, violence, and suicide is under-researched, particularly concerning violence perpetrated by men.
• Few empirical studies have investigated the nexus of male-perpetrated family and interpersonal violence and suicide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the complex interplay between family and intimate partner violence and suicide among men.
• To identify patterns and types of violence associated with male suicide.
• To understand the contributing factors and motivations behind violence and suicidal behavior in men.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods design integrating quantitative and qualitative analyses.
• Quantitative analysis of 155 coronial suicide cases.
• Qualitative analysis of medico-legal reports from 32 cases.

Main Results:

• Distinct types and patterns of family and intimate partner violence were identified among men who died by suicide.
• Violence was employed in response to conflict and as a means of dominating women.
• Cumulative effects of violence, mental illness, substance use, and socioeconomic/psychosocial factors were observed.
• Some men deliberately used violence and suicidal behavior to assert influence or control over women.

Conclusions:

• Male suicide is associated with complex patterns of family and intimate partner violence, often intertwined with mental health and substance use issues.
• Violence can be a calculated strategy for maintaining control, even in the context of suicidal behavior.
• Current health and criminal justice interventions offer limited long-term assistance for these complex cases.