Experiencing violence has effects on people's well-being. Participants: Two samples of Chilean
women, one of 425 university students and another of 118 mental health consultants (total 543,
aged between 18 and 66 years). Design: Secondary cross sectional analysis of partner or
intrafamily violence in the last year, depressive symptoms, hopelessness, suicidal ideation, and
attempt. Results: Those who suffered violence in the last year presented greater depressive
symptoms, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation. In multivariate analysis, depressive symptoms,
hopelessness, and violence explain 58% of suicidal ideas. Having experienced violence increases
suicide attempt's risk 3 times, while depressive symptoms and hopelessness have less influence.
There are some differences in the associations found in the student versus clinic sample.
Discussion: Violence against women is a relevant risk factor for suicidal behaviour in women, so
its intervention should be included in prevention strategies.
Doctora en Psicología, Psicóloga. Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de Concepción, Chile.
Félix Cova, Universidad de Concepción
Doctor en Psicología, Psicólogo. Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales,Universidad de Concepción, Chile.
Mery Laura Ballesteros, Universidad de Concepción
Magister en Neuropsicología Clínica, Candidata a Doctora en Salud Mental. Doctorado en Salud Mental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Chile.
Inostroza, C. ., Cova, F. ., & Ballesteros, M. L. . (2022). Suicidal behaviour and violence against women: a study in Chilean university students and mental health outpatients. Revista Punto Género, (17), pp.08–44. https://doi.org/10.5354/2735-7473.2022.67650
