Suicidal ideating in court-based domestic violence victims

Introduction: This paper presents survey data from an NIMH funded, randomized control trial with women seeking orders of protection recruited in a Family Court part that addresses domestic violence.

Methods: Data from 180 women recruited in a secure waiting room were obtained through a survey that covered domestic violence, depression, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, among other areas. Current suicidal ideation, the focus of the present analysis, was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory item #9 (suicide item). Depression was assessed with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD) and severity of partner violence victimization was assessed with the Danger Assessment (DA) and the Conflict Tactics Scale Short Form (CTS).

Results: Thirty-one women (17.2%) reported current suicidal ideation, an elevated prevalence compared to community surveys, with 29 reporting “I have thoughts of killing myself, but I would not carry them out” and two endorsing “I would like to kill myself.” Women endorsing suicidal ideation did not differ from other women on the DA, 16.8 (7.8) vs. 18.6 (8.2), or the CTS, 16.94 (11.6) vs. 19.7 (10.9). However, women with ideation showed greatly elevated depressive symptoms on the CESD, 40.3 (7.0) vs. 26.5 (12.3), p<.001.

Conclusion: Women seeking orders of protection show a high prevalence of suicidal ideation. Women with ideation show marked depressive symptoms but not increased partner violence victimization compared to women without ideation. Family violence court provides a venue to identify women that require intervention for depression and suicidal ideation.