September is Suicide Prevention Month

September marks Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, share resources, and reaffirm our commitment to creating supportive and thriving communities. As advocates we know that the experience of sexual assault can leave lasting impacts on mental health, including an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Survivors and Suicidality

Sexual violence often disrupts a survivor’s sense of safety, trust, and belonging. As a result, survivors may experience depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress, as well as feelings of shame, self-blame, or isolation. Research suggests that survivors are significantly more likely than the general population to consider or attempt suicide, and this is because sexual violence itself is a risk factor for suicidal ideation. 

Our Role As Advocates

Advocates and community responders can play a vital role in suicide prevention by:

• Actively listening with compassion – Survivors deserve space to be heard without judgment or dismissal.
• Affirming survivor experiences – Believing survivors and validating their feelings can help with feelings of isolation that increases the risk of suicidality.
• Connecting to resources and creating more access to protective factors – Whether it’s counseling, support groups, medical help and more, linking survivors to ongoing care is impactful.
• Communicate with care – Reminding survivors that healing is possible especially with support, and that their lives are valuable, can provide a powerful anchor in moments of despair.

In our interactions with survivors, we have a critical opportunity to reduce harm, address risks, and offer greater access to protective factors. 

Next Steps for More Learning and Advocacy 

This Suicide Prevention Month, we encourage advocates to continue growing their skills in supporting survivors experiencing suicidality. A helpful resource is Safe Helpline’s training: Suicide 101: Responding to Suicidal Ideation Among Survivors of Sexual Assault. This self-paced course offers practical tools for responding to suicidal ideation in the context of sexual violence and can help strengthen your confidence and preparedness in these difficult moments.

For more information about the intersection of sexual violence and suicidality, read this blog: What Puts Survivors at Increased Risk for Suicide and How to Help by Kyra Laughlin at the NSVRC.