Silence Hurts
Alcohol Abuse and Violence Against Women
The Connection Between Alcohol Abuse and Domestic Violence
The connection between drug and alcohol abuse and violence against women can take many forms and involves many factors. Some men feel the need to exert power and control over a woman. This need to control often covers feelings of inadequacy or insecurity.
Some men turn to alcohol or drug use to escape feelings of low-self esteem, or they use violence to gain control. Therefore, the same need to feel powerful and in greater control is filled in different ways. In some cases, a man could abuse alcohol or drugs and become violent, or substance use could exacerbate violent tendencies.
Some women may feel a loss of power and control as a result of violent victimization. They may turn to alcohol or drugs to escape feelings of helplessness, shame, guilt, and pain. Others may already have a drinking problem, which can put them at further risk of becoming a victim of violence.21
If a man drinks or uses drugs, he may force a woman to join him, threatening further violence if she does not. In addition, some men may force women to use alcohol or drugs to lower their resistance. Thus, drug and alcohol abuse can play a role in violence before, during, or after an incident.
Case Studies
The case studies that follow help to illustrate the complex relationship between alcohol abuse and violence against women. The primary concerns in each scenario are different. In scenario one, the man drinks occasionally while the woman rarely drinks. In scenario two, the man and woman both have an alcohol and drug problem, and they have one child together.
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Last Updated: 6/14/04
SAMHSA is an Agency of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
