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Alcohol, domestic abuse and sexual assault

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Key Points

  • Research typically finds that 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.
  • Where alcohol is involved in domestic abuse it is not the root cause, but rather a compounding factor. Alcohol should not be used as an excuse for those who perpetrate abuse, but neither should its influence be ignored.
  • Alcohol use by the victims of domestic abuse is a complicated issue. At times it can be misinterpreted and used against the victim, yet in some scenarios victims are likely to turn to alcohol as a means of coping with their experiences of abuse.
  • Research suggests that those who mix energy drinks and alcohol 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.

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