The Relationship Between Childhood Abuse and Suicidal Behaviours in a Treatment-seeking Sample of Canadian Military, Police, and Veterans

Abstract: The prevalence of suicide and related behaviours among members and Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has received much empirical attention; however, data from clinical samples are less available than data from population-based studies. The present study examined potential relationships between suicidal behaviours and childhood abuse history in a treatment-seeking sample of CAF and RCMP members and Veterans. ata were obtained through chart reviews of 412 clients at an outpatient mental health clinic. Hierarchical logistic regressions were conducted to determine associations between childhood abuse and suicide-related behaviours.After controlling for demographics, individuals who reported a childhood abuse history were more than three times as likely as those reporting no abuse to have made a suicide attempt. Veterans and individuals reporting childhood sexual abuse were at the greatest risk of suicide attempt. The prevalence of suicidal behaviours was higher and the reporting of childhood sexual abuse was lower compared with rates found in population-level studies.Results correspond with population-based findings, that CAF and RCMP abused in childhood attempt suicide more than their non-abused peers, and Veterans of these forces are at greater risk than those serving. A higher prevalence of suicide-related behaviours and a lower prevalence of reported childhood abuse, compared with population-level samples, was found. Clinicians working with CAF and RCMP populations should be aware of increased suicide risk related to childhood abuse history and Veteran status and note that childhood abuse history may be under-reported among treatment seekers.