It Won't Happen to Me:
Substance Abuse-Related Violence Against Women
for Anyone Concerned About The Issues
The Connection Between Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Violence Against Women
The connection between drug and alcohol abuse and violence against women can take many forms and involve many factors. For example, some men may feel a need for power and control. This need may lead to alcohol or drug use to escape feelings of low self-esteem. It can also lead to violence to gain control.
The same need may be filled in different ways. In some cases, a man could abuse alcohol or drugs and become violent. Substance use could exacerbate violent tendencies.
Impaired judgment from alcohol use may lead a woman to engage in risky behavior.Some women may feel a loss of power and control related to violent victimization. They may turn to alcohol or drugs to escape feelings of helplessness, shame, guilt, and pain. Others may have a drinking problem, which can put them at greater risk of becoming victims of violence.4 For example, impaired judgment from alcohol use may lead a woman to engage in risky behavior.
If the man drinks or uses drugs, he may force her to join him, threatening violence if she does not. In addition, some men may force women to use alcohol or drugs in order to lower their resistance. Thus, drug and alcohol abuse can play a role in violence before, during, or after an incident.
The case studies help illustrate the complex relationship between substance abuse and violence against women. The primary concerns in each case are different. In Scenario 1, the man drinks some, the woman not so much. In Scenario 2, the man and woman both have drinking/drug problem, one child
Research shows a relationship between substance abuse and violence against women. The fact sheet provides more information.
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Last Updated: 6/15/04
SAMHSA is an Agency of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
