The Role Alcohol Plays

Statistics seem to indicate a connection between alcohol and drug abuse and domestic violence. Studies of domestic violence frequently document high rates of alcohol and other drug (AOD) involvement, and AOD use is known to impair judgment, reduce inhibition, and increase aggression. Alcoholism and child abuse, including incest, seem connected also.

On the surface it seems hard to argue with the numbers. Ninety-two percent of the domestic abuse assailants reported use of alcohol or other drugs on the day of the assault, according to a recent JAMA report.

Studies show that the percentage of batterers who are under the influence of alcohol when they assault their partners ranges from 48 percent to 87 percent. This research indicates that among men who drink heavily, there is a higher rate of assaults resulting in injury.

Learned Behaviour

Battering is a socially learned behaviour, and is not the result of substance abuse or mental illness; men who batter frequently use alcohol abuse as an excuse for their violence. They attempt to rid themselves of responsibility for the problem by blaming it on the effects of alcohol.

Alcohol does not and cannot make a man abuse a woman, but it is frequently used as an excuse. Many men drink and do not abuse anyone as a result. On the other hand many men abuse women when they are sober. It can be easier for some men and for some women to believe that the violence would not have happened if a drink had not been taken.

It's part of the denial process. Alcoholism and battering do share some similar characteristics -- both may be passed from generation to generation, both involve denial or minimization of the problem; both involve isolation of the family.
So, why do batterers do it? How can you tell if you are at risk? If you are in an abusive relationship, what can you do?

Leaving With No Plan Can Be Dangerous

For those locked into an abusive relationship, getting help is not always as simple as just leaving, in fact it could be dangerous.
Victims of domestic abuse are usually not only in physical danger of the batterer, but usually have been economically and geographically isolated in an effort to control them, making it even harder to get help.

Many times well-meaning friends will tell the battered victim to "get out now!”. But that may not be the best course of action, without a plan.

Restraining Orders

Merely calling the police and obtaining a restraining (protection) order does not always work either. A restraining order is just a piece of paper. According to an analysis done of 18,369 male defendants in Massachusetts USA, against whom restraining orders were issued, the risk of a repeat offence within six months was 15.4 percent.

There is some evidence that getting the police involved and obtaining a restraining order can actually trigger more violence. If the abuser has a very violent history, has a long arrest record or has already served time in jail, or is addicted to drugs or alcohol so that normal inhibitors don't kick in, a restraining order may offer little in the way of a deterrent.

In some cases restraining orders are effective. In many cases they appear to stop abuse, empower the victims and increase police responsiveness.

A Safety Plan

Leaving the residence to get away from the battering partner may be the best course of action in some cases. But leaving must be done with a careful plan in order to increase safety.  Batterers often strike back when they believe that a battered woman is leaving the relationship.

We have created an excellent Personalised Safety Plan to help victims of domestic violence plan a safe escape from the abusive situation, including safety after the actual separation.

The plan provides tips on how victims can protect themselves during a violent incident, when preparing to leave, in a new place of residence, and on the job and in public. It also gives a list of items to take when leaving.

Other Sources of Help

The problem with the safety plan is that many abuse victims do not have the resources to leave in the first place. Many do not have automobiles, jobs, or the funds to relocate, if they have been economically isolated by the abuser.

The truth is domestic violence is more common among the poor than it is among the wealthy and middle class. It is more prevalent in cities with higher levels of poverty and among ethnic groups with a greater percentage of low-income families. It is also more common among the unemployed.

For those who do not have the financial or family support to leave the situation help is available by calling Woman’s Aid 24 hour line on 0808 2000 247.  Woman’s Aid is the key national charity in the UK to end domestic violence against women and children.