Citation

Hawton K, Roberts JC. Br. J. Soc. Work 1981; 11(1): 415-420.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1981, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a054667

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A recent survey by the authors has demonstrated that attempted suicide is common in parents, particularly mothers, who abuse their children. However, the nature of the association between child abuse and attempted suicide is complicated. Here some possible types of association are suggested. In management of child abuse, special note should be taken of a history of attempted suicide in the parents because, in some cases, it suggests a poor prognosis. Similarly, young children of parents who attempt suicide should be assessed in case they are at risk of abuse.