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Thinking Man on Couch

Cyber-harassment influences mental health concerns among victims. Victims of cyber-harassment have reported higher levels of academic problems, mental health issues, and increased substance use (Sinclair, Bauman, Poteat, Koenig, Russell, 2012). In a study on cyber-harassment, youth (N = 17,366) who experienced bias-based cyber harassment (e.g., that aimed at transgender, gay, lesbian, or members of other minority groups) attempted suicide at a rate of 7.85 times compared to the 3.82 times for attempted suicides by victims of cyber harassment alone. Suicidal thoughts have been shown to correlate with the experience of online sexual assault. In a sample of adult survivors (N = 97) of CBSA (Holladay, 2016), 34% (n = 33) of adults reported yes to the statement, “I wished I were dead” nearly every day for two weeks (see Figure 1). In general, there is a significant association between sexting behaviors and suicidal thoughts (Dake, et al., 2012), though more research is warranted among adolescents. If you or someone you know is showing signs of distress, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week @ 1-800-273-8255

Cyber-Sexual Assault & Suicidal Ideations

Suicidality and Cyber-Sexual Assault

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Additional Information Regarding Cyber Sexual Assault

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