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

Motives for Alcohol and Drug Use and Violence

Alcohol is the most widely used and abused drug in the United States. Fourteen million people in the United States have alcohol problems.² Still, many people do not think that alcohol is a drug or that it is harmful. However, even in small doses, alcohol can affect our judgment and behavior. Often, it leads to violence.

Alcohol or drugs may be used to:

• Experience feelings of relaxation or happiness,
• Fight stress or to take away feelings of sadness or depression,
• Enhance performance,
• "Expand the mind" by changing the perception of reality, and
• Numb feelings of guilt, shame, anger, or loneliness.³

Similarly, violence may make a person feel better by allowing him or her to:

• Release feelings of stress.
• Vent anger or frustration.
• Avoid painful issues.
• Shift blame.
• Feel more in control.