The authors investigated, as part of a larger study on suicide prediction, the prevalence of physical and sexual abuse among female suicide attempters. 158 women, aged 20 years or older, who were admitted to a general hospital because of a suicide attempt were interviewed approximately 8 weeks after discharge. Interviews were semi-structured and lasted about 3½ hours.

68% of the 158 suicide attempters had been physically and/or sexually abused in their lives. First-evers (n = 56) and repeaters (n = 102) differed significantly in this respect (52% against 77%). Exposure to physical, sexual, and child sexual abuse were significantly more often reported by repeaters than by first-evers. The authors conclude that (child) sexual and physical abuse should be regarded as serious risk factors. Furthermore the relationship to the abuser, short- and longterm consequences to the victims and the role of mental health professionals are discussed.