Spousal Abuse Due to Alcohol

Alcohol abuse increases the odds of spousal abuse.

Although alcohol and domestic violence are not always related, several studies have found a link between alcohol abuse and spousal abuse. Both men and women are more likely to abuse a spouse or domestic partner if they have a problem with alcohol.

Alcohol in the Moment

According to The Marin Institute, two-thirds of all domestic violence victims claim that alcohol was a factor in the violent incident.

Race

Several studies have suggested that race and ethnicity may impact a person's likeliness to engage in violent behavior when abusing alcohol. Unfortunately, these studies have resulted in conflicting information.

Abuse Against Women

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that studies conducted on men in treatment for alcoholism found that 50 percent of the men had abused a female spouse or partner at some time in the year before their treatment began.

Alcohol and Sober Violence

A study published in the October 2006 journal "Alcoholism Clinical & Experimental Research" claims that alcohol abuse increases a person's likelihood to commit spousal abuse and other violent acts even on days that the abuser has not consumed alcohol.

Alcohol and the Odds

The Marin Institute reports that women are 3.6 times more likely to be abused if their spouse or partner abuses alcohol.

References

• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: FY2001 Congressional Budget Justification
• National Institutes of Health Public Access: Spouse Abuse and Alcohol Problems Among White, African American, and Hispanic U.S. Army Soldiers
• The Marin Institute: Alcohol and Violence