Domestic Abuse and Substance Abuse
In addition to a prior history of being abusive, heavy substance use is a major risk factor for domestic violence. Drug and alcohol use may affect both parties in cases of domestic and sexual abuse. An abuser may be violent because of substance use, and a victim may use substances to cope with the abuse.
Research has found that on days of heavy substance abuse, physical violence was 11 times more likely among the perpetrators and victims of domestic violence, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine.
And forty to sixty percent of domestic violence incidents involve substance abuse, according to a 2014 article published by the American Society of Addiction Medicine.
See here for more information.
If you feel that you might be in an abusive situation, help is on hand. You can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247, or speak to Refuge using their online chat function. You can also get in touch with our Survivors' Network - we're not an emergency service or helpline, but we can stand alongside you as you access the support you need.
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