Silence Hurts
Alcohol Abuse and Violence Against Women

Module 1: Introduction to the Issues - Page 1 of 2

Introduction

Each year, more than 500,000 non-fatal violent crimes are committed against women.1 These crimes range from sexual assault and rape to intimate partner violence and elder abuse. That's only a partial picture of the problem because the statistics only reflect those crimes that are reported. Domestic violence, for example, is so widespread that nearly one-third of all Americans know a woman who has suffered violence from her partners.2

Many of these crimes involve the use of alcohol or other drugs. Although some people believe that alcohol causes violence against women, the links between the two aren't quite that simple. Just because a man drinks doesn't mean he will commit a violent act. Conversely, not all men who batter women also abuse alcohol. This module will examine the relationship between alcohol and violence against women, how alcohol can increase the chances of violence against women and how victims and perpetrators may use it to cope with the effects of violence.

What is the relationship between alcohol abuse and violence against women?

Professionals differentiate between the causes of a problem and "risk factors." Alcohol is not a cause of violence but it is a risk factor for both the perpetrator and the victim of the violence. For comparison's sake, consider the example of drinking and driving. If a person drinks enough alcohol so his blood alcohol level is over the legal limit, and he gets in an accident driving home from the bar, alcohol would likely be established as a cause of the accident. The analogy is not the same for alcohol abuse and violence. So what's the connection?

Simply stated, the presence of alcohol - by the perpetrator or the victim - increases the chance of violence occurring, how often it occurs and how severe it is. For example, if a man with a short temper abuses alcohol, he may be more likely to direct his anger at his partner when he is intoxicated. He may also go greater harm when he has been drinking.

The use of alcohol by the perpetrator can lead to violence, sometimes because his inhibitions and impulse control are lessened. Women who use alcohol can also act in abusive ways, due to similar reasons. Often a woman will use alcohol to numb her pain. When a woman uses alcohol, however, she also puts herself at greater risk for becoming a victim.

Part of the problem with addressing alcohol-related violence against women in the U.S. stems from our difficulty in dealing with alcohol and drugs in society. Attempts to prohibit alcohol use have failed, and alcohol use has become common in American society. Unfortunately, alcohol consumption is often used to excuse harmful behavior. For some people, getting intoxicated and abusing one's spouse is a regular occurrence. Alcohol use is also often used as an excuse. Adding alcohol or drug use to an already volatile situation can lead someone who is prone to violence to commit a violent act. Impulse control can be inhibited. 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 in controlling negative feelings can contribute to both substance abuse and violence. Alcohol may be used to:3

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

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