CONTENTS

About This Course

Table of Contents

1. Getting The Basics
2. Substance Abuse
3. Violence Against Women
4. Violent Men
5. Alcohol and Violence
6. Alcohol, Drugs and Sexual Assault (Date Rape)
7. Preventing Sexual Assault
8. After a Rape or Sexual Assault
9. Assistance - Women
10. Assistance - Men
11. Legal Options

Supplements
Resources
Glossary
Fact Sheets

It Won't Happen to Me:
Substance Abuse-Related Violence Against Women for Anyone Concerned About The Issues

Module Content The Complicated Relationship Between Substance Abuse and Violence Motives for Alcohol and Drug Use and Violence Myths and Facts about Substance Abuse and Violence Against Women The Connection Between Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Violence Against Women Substance Abuse and the Violent Partner Effects of Substance Abuse and Violence on Children Summary References

The Complicated Relationship Between Substance Abuse and Violence

The relationship between substance abuse and violence against women is complicated. Although some people believe that drugs and alcohol cause violence, they do not. However, alcohol or drug use can increase the risk of violence. It also affects how often violence occurs and how severe it is.

For example, a man with a short temper may be more likely to release his anger onto his partner when he is intoxicated. He may also do greater harm to the woman when he has been drinking. Alcohol can also impair impulse control.

Part of the problem in addressing substance-related violence against women stems from difficulty dealing with alcohol and drugs. Attempts to prohibit alcohol use have failed, and alcohol use has become common in American society. Unfortunately, alcohol use is often used to excuse harmful behavior. Many men try to blame their violence on their drinking.

In some cases, individuals may be at risk for alcohol or drug abuse and violence due to a combination of risk factors. Difficulty coping with life or controlling negative feelings can contribute both to substance abuse and violence.

A condensed version of this module is available as a Fact Sheet in both HTML, PDF and PDF Español formats.