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Abstract: 

A groundbreaking study in the Journal of Adolescent Health (2025) reveals that exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV)—as victim, perpetrator, or witness—significantly increases suicide risk among youth. Drawing on over 15,000 suicide cases from the CDC’s National Violent Death Reporting System, researchers identified 4,625 suicides involving IPV circumstances among adolescents and young adults. Most decedents were male; girls were more often IPV victims, while boys were typically perpetrators. IPV-related suicides were more likely to involve firearms, alcohol or substance abuse, prior suicide attempts, and legal entanglements. Applying the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide, the study underscores how IPV heightens isolation, shame, and desensitization to violence. It urges integrated prevention strategies linking IPV intervention, mental health services, and suicide screening for youth.

Keywords: Youth Suicide; Intimate Partner Violence; IPV Exposure; Adolescent Mental Health; Suicide Prevention

Affiliations:  1: Editor.