Suicidal Behaviour in Young Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Men under Youth Justice Supervision in Detention: Understanding the Role of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Abstract

Objectives: Young people involved in the justice system have higher rates of suicidal behaviour and a higher prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) compared to the general population. However, the association between ACEs and suicidal behaviour in Australian youth justice populations has not been examined, nor how this association may differ among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. Method: The sample included 1,726 young men in detention in South Australia. Nine ACEs (physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, neglect, parental death, separation, family conflict, family problem with the law, and family substance use problem) and their association with suicidal behaviour (ideation and attempts) were examined. Logistic regression was used to examine whether ACEs were associated with suicidal behaviour after controlling for other known correlates (substance use, aggression, and placement in out-of-home care). Results: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young men had a higher prevalence and a higher average score of ACEs; however, minimal differences were found in the prevalence of suicidal behaviour. In the full sample, a higher ACEs score and specific maltreatment types (i.e., physical and sexual abuse) were associated with suicidal behaviour (OR = 2.01, 1.59, 1.60, respectively). The effect of high ACEs on suicidal behaviour was attenuated after controlling for established correlates of suicidal behaviour. Conclusions: ACEs remained associated with suicidal behaviour after controlling for other established correlates of suicidal behaviour. Understanding the impact of ACEs on suicidal risk for young people in detention is crucial for informing the development of effective suicide prevention initiatives.