This study presented findings from a cross-sectional, self-report study of a community sample of young adolescents to investigate relationships between self-reported sexual abuse, depression, hopelessness, and suicidality. It was expected that relationships would be mediated by depression and hopelessness, and would possibly be gender-specific. The study consisted of students from 17 public and 10 private rural and suburban high schools in lower to upper middle socio-economic areas of South Australia. Findings indicate that childhood and adolescent sexual abuse (CSA) is related to suicide attempts through pathways encompassing hopelessness and depressive symptoms, indicators of suicide risk such as ideation, plans, threats, and deliberate self-injury DSI, as well as directly or through other variables not considered in the model. CSA should be considered a risk factor for suicidal behavior even in the apparent absence of other psychopathology, although depressive symptoms may further increase its likelihood. Study limitations are presented and discussed. References