In a groundbreaking new study published in BMC Psychiatry, researchers have revealed alarming rates of suicidal behaviors among victims of sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) who seek support at specialized one-stop centers in Northeast Ethiopia. The study sheds light on the grave psychological consequences faced by survivors and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive mental health interventions tailored to this vulnerable population.
Sexual gender-based violence, a pervasive human rights violation globally, not only inflicts immediate physical and emotional trauma but also leaves survivors susceptible to long-term mental health challenges. The recent research, which involved 321 victims across three one-stop centers between December 2022 and January 2023, provides the most detailed assessment to date of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts among SGBV survivors in this region.
Employing rigorous cross-sectional methodology and advanced psychometric tools, including the Suicidal Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R), the study accurately quantified suicidal tendencies within this distressed group. Additionally, the researchers integrated the Oslo Social Support Scale (OSSS-3) to evaluate social connectedness and used the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for in-depth screening of depressive symptoms, thereby illuminating the multifaceted psychological state of survivors.
The findings are both stark and deeply concerning: over one-quarter of SGBV victims—26.2%—exhibited suicidal behaviors. Breaking this down further, the prevalence of suicidal ideation was recorded at 18.7%, while 15.3% reported having formulated specific suicide plans. Tragically, 4.7% of the participants had attempted suicide. These figures not only highlight the severe mental health crisis precipitated by gender-based violence but also indicate gaps in existing support systems.
One of the most significant insights from the study was the identification of key predictors for suicidal conduct among survivors. Depression emerged as the most potent risk factor, with an adjusted odds ratio implying those suffering from depression were over eight times more likely to engage in suicidal behavior. Furthermore, a family history of suicide doubled the risk, emphasizing the role of genetic and environmental vulnerabilities.
Equally noteworthy was the impact of social support on mental health outcomes. Survivors reporting poor social support were nearly five times more likely to display suicidal behaviors compared to those with stronger family or community ties. This underscores the critical protective effect of a robust support network in mitigating the psychological aftermath of sexual violence.
The study’s revelations point to a potentially fragmented or insufficient social support infrastructure for SGBV victims in Northeast Ethiopia. It calls into question the effectiveness of current care protocols implemented in one-stop centers, which are designed to provide integrated services—medical, legal, and psychological—under one roof. Despite these centers’ holistic approach, the enduring prevalence of suicidal behavior suggests the need for enhanced mental health screening and targeted interventions.
Given the high rates of depression observed among survivors, mental health professionals advocate for the incorporation of routine depression assessments and prompt therapeutic interventions, including counseling and pharmacological treatments where necessary. Early detection and treatment of depression, alongside suicide risk evaluation, could dramatically reduce morbidity and mortality in this at-risk group.
Moreover, the findings advocate for the empowerment and mobilization of community resources to bolster social support networks. Community leaders, family members, and peer support programs play an indispensable role in creating an environment conducive to psychological healing and resilience. Integrating community-based interventions with clinical care could forge a comprehensive, culturally sensitive model of support.
The researchers also emphasized that addressing suicidal behavior requires a multidimensional strategy. Policymakers must consider systemic factors contributing to inadequate social support, such as stigma, cultural norms, and resource limitations. Expanding access to mental health services in both urban and rural settings is essential to reach a broader spectrum of survivors, many of whom may not or cannot access centralized one-stop centers.
This study is a clarion call for the international health community and human rights organizations to prioritize mental health amidst ongoing efforts to combat sexual gender-based violence. The intersectionality of violence, mental illness, and social determinants of health calls for integrated policies and funding that recognize survivors’ complex needs beyond immediate physical care.
In conclusion, suicidal behaviors remain profoundly prevalent among SGBV survivors attending one-stop centers in Northeast Ethiopia. The entwined challenges of depression, family suicide history, and deficient social support highlight the urgent need for holistic, aggressive interventions. Future research and programmatic responses must focus on dismantling systemic barriers, enhancing mental health services, and fostering resilient support networks to safeguard the lives and well-being of sexual violence survivors.
Subject of Research: Suicidal behaviors and associated risk factors among sexual gender-based violence victims in Northeast Ethiopia.
Article Title: Suicidal behaviors among sexual gender-based violence victims in one-stop centers, Northeast Ethiopia.
Article References:
Kebede, M.G., Haile, S., Abera, K.M. et al. Suicidal behaviors among sexual gender-based violence victims in one-stop centers, Northeast Ethiopia. BMC Psychiatry 25, 931 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-025-07409-8
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-025-07409-8
