Sexual Violence and Suicide

Domestic abuse-related suicide is increasingly being recognised as part of the wider pattern of harm caused by coercive control, intimidation and abuse.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council reported 1,452 deaths linked to domestic abuse over five years, with increased recognition of suspected victim suicides following domestic abuse.

The move to hold perpetrators to account and explore manslaughter or murder charges is both significant and necessary.

But why aren’t we looking at the impact of child sexual abuse (CSA), rape and sexual violence in the same way? 

There is an extensive body of evidence that recognises the short and long-term impacts of sexual violence and abuse. Studies suggest that around 46% of UK inpatients of psychiatric services have a history of CSA, and around 37% report adult sexual violence. Many survivors will develop unhealthy coping strategies to try and manage overwhelming emotional and psychological pain and trauma. Some will consider, attempt or complete suicide.

Recently 20-year-old Levi Davies, from Andover was found dead one year and one day after she was raped in a Southampton park. Her mother said that “over that year, as a family, we watched her shatter into pieces, the rape killed her the day of the attack – it just took a year for it to happen.” Levi’s family are sharing her story to highlight the anguish experienced by survivors of sexual violence and the urgent need for longer-term support.

But Levi is not alone. Recent press coverage has included Charlotte Tetley, a survivor of the Rochdale grooming gangs, Jaysley Beck, tragically failed by the Army after she had been sexually assaulted and harassed, Semina Halliwell, a 12 year old girl who felt that her assault allegation wasn’t believed, and Noelia Castillo Ramos, a survivor of gang rape whose case in Spain was reported in connection with euthanasia/assisted dying after previous suicide attempts.

In these cases, the link to abuse is front and centre. But what about the countless others whose deaths are examined only briefly at inquests and in coroners’ courts? How often is there a meaningful exploration of the traumatic events that may have contributed to a person reaching that point?

Last year, around 12% of our clients had either attempted or considered suicide. That represents more than 360 women, men and children.

In her Victim Impact statement, Levi said “This man has changed my life forever – it’s a life sentence I didn’t deserve.” This is echoed by many survivors we support. The truth is no one ever deserves to be abused, assaulted or violated. 

But until we start asking the right questions and fully recognising the devastating impacts of sexual violence and abuse, perpetrators will continue to wreck lives without consequence. For some survivors, the trauma can be so overwhelming that they feel that there is no way forward. 

This is not about reducing someone’s life or death to a single event. It is about ensuring that the full context of people’s lives and deaths are understood and acknowledged. It is about recognising the harm caused, the support that is needed, and the accountability that must follow.