Domestic Violence and Alcoholism

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer maintains that any person who works in the area of domestic violence knows from experience that alcoholism is positively correlated with domestic violence. However, the writer notes that it is inaccurate to suggest that alcoholism creates domestic violence; the mere fact that many alcoholics are not violent belies that statement. The writer discusses that drinking can be a catalyst for assaultive behavior, though it does not cause that behavior; domestic violence and alcoholism are two separate problems, and that the resolution of them requires approaches specifically geared to each individual problem. The writer concludes that while alcohol abuse may be only one of many factors contributing to domestic violence in a home, it seems reasonable to suggest that treating alcohol addiction in either batterers or victims is likely to lead to an overall reduction in violence in the home. However, the because sobriety can increase violence in some batterers,and victim sobriety can increase the risk faced by each individual victim, the primary goal in intervention should be to ensure safety and then focus on sobriety.

From the Paper:

"Furthermore, if the victim is the alcoholic, then episodes of drinking may precede episodes of domestic abuse, because as the alcohol dulls inhibitions, the victim may engage in behavior that he or she knows is likely to result in domestic abuse. Finally, it is frequently the case that both partners are alcoholics, which exacerbates the problem even further.
"It is important to look at the impact of an alcoholic victim on domestic violence. The following is not mean to suggest that alcoholics are deserving victims of domestic assaults, but to inform people about the correlation between domestic violence and assaults. Substance abuse, predominantly alcoholism, is thought to contribute to at least half of all cases of intimate partner violence. Moreover, women with drinking problems are significantly more likely to be the victims of verbal and physical aggression by their partners than are non-alcoholic women."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Dryden-Edwards, R. (2008). Domestic violence. Retrieved August 3, 2008, from MedicineNet.comWeb site: http://www.medicinenet.com/domestic_violence/article.htm
• Jordan, C., Nietzel, M., Walker, R., & Logan, T.K. (2004). Intimate partner violence. New York: Springer Publishing Company.
• Potter-Efron, R. (2007). Anger, aggression, domestic violence, and substance abuse. In Hamel, J. & T. Nicholls. Family interventions in domestic violence: a handbook of gender-inclusive theory and treatment. New York: Springer Publishing Company.
• Wakefield, P., Williams, E., & Yost, E.B. (1996). Couple therapy for alcoholism: a cognitive- behavioral treatment manual. New York: Guilford Press.
• Zubretsky, T., & Digirolamo, K. (1996). The false connection between adult domestic violence and alcohol. In Roberts, A.R., Helping battered women. New York: Oxford University Press.

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