‘I Almost Poisoned Myself’: Understanding the Suicidal Behaviors of Female Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence in Ghana*

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Despite growing evidence of an increased risk of suicidality among female survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), no scientific research has explored this topic in Ghana, where male-partner violence is not uncommon. Using thematic analysis to analyze and synthesize 30 in-depth interviews with female survivors in the Eastern Region of Ghana, this study explored the suicidal behaviors of women in abusive intimate relationships. The findings showed IPV profoundly affected women, exposing them to complex intersecting economic, physical, and psychosocial health problems. Many saw suicide as a solution to their traumatic experiences. The results suggest the need for policymakers to create violence prevention programs and introduce community-based mental health programs, especially those targeting female survivors of violence.