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Alcohol Use Among Partner Violent Adults: Reviewing Recent Literature to Inform Intervention

NCJ Number
241773
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: January/February 2013 Pages: 152-158
Author(s)
Lisa Langenderfer
Date Published
February 2013
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This literature review examines recent research on the association between alcohol use and intimate partner violence (IPV); and implications are drawn for future research and practice.
Abstract
Male-specific IPV commission rates ranged from 4 to 78.1 percent. The percentage of these abusive males who reported binge drinking (five or more drinks on one occasion) ranged from approximately 9 to 59.7 percent; the range of heavy or excessive alcohol use ranged from 17.8 percent to 50 percent. Combining ranges for alcohol problems, alcohol abuse, and alcohol-use disorders as "alcohol misuse," rates of alcohol misuse in male perpetrators of IPV ranged from 17 percent to 32.9 percent. Fewer data were reported for female perpetrators of IPV. The percentage of female perpetrators who reported binge drinking ranged from 13.4 percent to 27.3 percent; problem alcohol use or abuse ranged from 15.4 percent to 50 percent. Findings from this review have implications for both IPV research and practice. Regarding research, findings suggest that prevalence rates for alcohol-related problems have not been examined in relation to IPV offender characteristics or type of abuse, so further research must be conducted. In conducting this research, consistent and inclusive measures of IPV must be used. Additional research on court-mandated populations of IPV perpetrators is also needed, particularly regarding how alcohol use might affect attrition compared to completion of mandated batterer intervention programs (BIPs) and recidivism rates. Research should also be conducted on the role of alcohol-abuse treatment in BIPs. Based on the findings of such research, the management and treatment of IPV perpetrators could be tailored to include appropriate alcohol abuse treatment when this is indicated in a risk/need assessment. 1 table and 30 references