What Risk and Protective Factors Influence the Relationship Between Child Sexual Abuse Disclosure and Suicidal Behaviours? A Scoping Review of the Literature

This scoping review examined risk and protective factors that influence the relationship between disclosure of child sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts or behaviours. While child sexual abuse is a well-established risk factor for suicidality, disclosure experiences and suicide risk remain underexplored. Guided by Arksey and O'Malley's method of scoping, a systematic search of Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus was conducted for English-language studies published between 2015 and 2025. Grey literature relevant to the Australian context was also reviewed. Ten studies met inclusion criteria, involving qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods designs. Results, informed by betrayal trauma theory and the interpersonal theory of suicide, suggest that the relational and systemic context surrounding disclosure, rather than disclosure experience itself, contributes to suicide risk. Supportive responses mitigated distress, while negative reactions and unsupportive system responses heightened suicidal ideation and behaviours. Quantitative studies were mixed: while disclosure opportunities appeared protective, their benefits depended on response quality and ongoing support. Mandatory reporting processes, though protective in intent, were sometimes experienced as intrusive or disempowering, adding to distress. Safe disclosure is contingent upon trauma-informed, relationally-attuned systems of care. Integration of suicide prevention and child sexual abuse response frameworks is needed to ensure victims and survivors receive sustained, validating support across family, community, and practice contexts.