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Spousal Abuse Due to Alcohol

Although alcohol and domestic violence are not always related, several studies have found a link between alcohol abuse and spousal abuse. Both men and women are more likely to abuse a spouse or domestic partner if they have a problem with alcohol.

  1. Alcohol in the Moment

    • According to The Marin Institute, two-thirds of all domestic violence victims claim that alcohol was a factor in the violent incident.

    Race

    • Several studies have suggested that race and ethnicity may impact a person's likeliness to engage in violent behavior when abusing alcohol. Unfortunately, these studies have resulted in conflicting information.

    Abuse Against Women

    • The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that studies conducted on men in treatment for alcoholism found that 50 percent of the men had abused a female spouse or partner at some time in the year before their treatment began.

    Alcohol and Sober Violence

    • A study published in the October 2006 journal "Alcoholism Clinical & Experimental Research" claims that alcohol abuse increases a person's likelihood to commit spousal abuse and other violent acts even on days that the abuser has not consumed alcohol.

    Alcohol and the Odds

    • The Marin Institute reports that women are 3.6 times more likely to be abused if their spouse or partner abuses alcohol.

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