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The evidence

The figures

• 1.3 million children live in households with alcohol problems (Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy - AHRSE - 2004)
• 8 million people are affected by a family member's alcohol use (AHRSE 2004)
• Between 50 and 90% of families on social workers' care caseloads have parents with drug, alcohol or mental health problems (Kearney, 2003)
• Alcohol-related domestic violence increases the risks to children; alcohol plays a part in 25-33% of known cases of child abuse (AHRSE 2004)
• Parental alcohol misuse was identified as a factor in over 50% of child protection cases (Alcohol Concern, 2003)
• Women experiencing domestic abuse are up to fifteen times more likely to misuse alcohol than women generally (Stark and Flitcraft, 1996)
• Research carried out on domestic violence offenders found that alcohol was a feature in a majority of offences (62%) and almost half the sample (48%) were alcohol dependent (Gilchrist et al, 2003)
• US studies show that 60-90% of women in alcohol treatment have suffered Domestic Abuse and 75% of women married to problem drinkers have been threatened and 45% assaulted by partners ( American Medical Association, 1992)

The evidence base

There are no national figures as yet on the prevalence of domestic abuse in the alcohol treatment population. However, we can get an estimate of alcohol-related domestic abuse through UK based national domestic abuse figures, US research and small scale UK research studies. An analysis of this data indicates that there is a strong link between alcohol misuse and domestic abuse.

Research has also found associations between women's own substance misuse and domestic abuse.

It is important to note that any figures from research studies are likely to be underestimates. Many perpetrators will not disclose their violent behaviour or will minimise it. Most evidence is based on reports of physical violence only. Figures are likely to be a lot higher if they include other forms of abuse such as emotional or psychological. Any figures relating to experiences of domestic abuse and alcohol misuse are likely to be underreported due to the stigma and shame associated with both issues, fear that they may be excluded from services and fear that their children may be taken away from them.