The Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS) have released a new report exploring the relationship between alcohol, domestic abuse and violence. It identifies a strong association between alcohol misuse and domestic abuse, particularly with incidents of physical domestic violence and sexual assault.
Download ‘Alcohol, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault’. A briefing summary and a podcast are also available.
Key findings from the report include:
- Typically between 25% and 50% of those who perpetrate domestic abuse have been drinking at the time of assault, although in some studies the figure is as high as 73%. Cases involving severe violence are twice as likely as others to include alcohol.
- Research suggests that those who mix energy drinks and alcohol on a night out are almost twice as likely to be taken advantage of sexually.
- There is a strong link between alcohol and violence, and research suggests that pricing policies such as minimum unit pricing for alcohol would reduce rates of domestic violence.
- In light of poor conviction rates and general misunderstanding about alcohol sexual assault and rape, there have been calls for a change in the law around consent so that intoxication is seen as a possible indicator that abuse has taken place.
- There is a need for improved training for law enforcement agencies on the impact of alcohol, sexual assault and the capacity to consent.
The podcast features interviews with Professor Jonathan Shepherd (Cardiff Violence & Society Research Group, Director) and Jennifer Holly (Against Violence & Abuse):
IAS Alcohol Alert
September's IAS Alcohol Alert is now also available, stories including:
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