Experiences of sexual violence and their associations with suicidal ideation and behavior in the past year: an analysis of adults from the 2021 Ace Community Survey.

BACKGROUND

This research assessed forms of sexual violence and their associations with suicidal ideation among adults identifying on the asexual identity spectrum.

METHODS

A secondary data analysis was conducted among adults, identifying on the asexual spectrum of asexual, gray-asexual, or demisexual, from the 2021 Ace Community Survey (n = 8,715). Multiple logistic regression analyses determined potential associations between sexual violence and suicidal ideation, adjusting for the covariates of age group, gender, education, racial/ethnic minority, employment, and asexual spectrum identity.

RESULTS

Demisexual individuals were at statistically greater odds of suicidality compared to gray-asexual and asexual individuals. Sexual violence victims were more likely to be suicidal compared to non-victims. This was especially true for attempted rape and suicidal consideration (OR = 2.10, 95% CI (1.60, 2.75), planning (OR = 1.76, 95% CI (1.32, 2.34), and attempts (OR = 3.15, 95% CI (2.07, 4.81).

CONCLUSIONS

Asexual victims of sexual violence were more likely to be suicidal compared to non-victims. Demisexual individuals were more likely to be suicidal compared to asexual individuals. These findings demonstrate the need for additional research on sexual violence and suicide.