It Won't Happen to Me:
Substance Abuse-Related Violence Against Women
for Anyone Concerned About The Issues
Module 1: Getting The Basics - Page 3 of 8
Myths and Facts about Substance Abuse and Violence Against Women
Drug and alcohol abuse and violence against women are getting more attention from the media and researchers. Still, many myths exist. By becoming more informed about substance abuse and violence against women, we can help address these problems.
Here are some common myths about substance abuse and violence against women. It's important to learn the facts. Remember, none of these statements are true.
- Most alcoholics are skid row bums.
- People who abuse drugs are morally weak and should be able to stop taking drugs if they are willing to change their behavior.
- Very few women become alcoholics.
- It's only beer.
- Alcohol is a stimulant.
- Drinking coffee, going for a walk, or taking a cold shower will quickly "sober you up."
- Substance abuse causes a man to become violent.
- A girl would know if "date rape" drugs (Rohypnol, GHB Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate, or Ketamine) had been put in her drink.
- Very few women are abused in our country.
- Alcoholism and domestic abuse do not have anything in common.
- Violence against women by an intimate partner is only a momentary loss of control. It rarely happens more than once.
- Victims of repeated violence must have a mental illness or are crazy.
- Once a woman is abused, she will never leave the abuser.
- Violence against women does not happen to the elderly or disabled.
- Women ask for rape by how they act or dress.
- All rapists are sexually perverted or psychotic.
- Men and women are the victims of intimate partner violence in equal numbers.
- Very little of the violence against women is actually from an intimate partner.
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Last Updated: 6/15/04
SAMHSA is an Agency of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
