Fact sheet: The link between domestic violence and substance abuse

• It is a myth that alcohol and drugs are the major causes of domestic abuse. Research on intimate partner violence demonstrates a high rate of co-occurrence of violence and alcohol use by one or both partners
• The risk of intimate partner violence increases when both partners abuse drugs or alcohol
• Substance abuse increase the likelihood of domestic violence; not only during periods of intoxication, but also during periods of sobriety. It may also increase the frequency or severity of domestic violence.
• Regular alcohol abuse is one of the leading risk factors for partner violence (between spouses or partners)
• Domestic violence may be manifestations of an underlying need for power and control related to gender-based distortions and insecurities
• Some abusers rely on substance use (and abuse) as an excuse for becoming violent. Alcohol allows the abuser to justify his abusive behaviour as a result of the alcohol.
• Heavy drinking by the husband is associated with husband-to-wife marital violence, independent of social class. There is a relationship between a husband’s drinking early in marriage and husband-to-wife- violence later in the marriage.
• Studies of alcoholic women indicate that they are more likely to report they have had childhood physical and emotional abuse than women who are non-alcoholic.
• A woman’s use of alcohol can be a barrier to her being able to leave a violent relationship with a spouse or partner.

Provided by the Greater Rape Intervention Programme (Grip)

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