Role of Alcoholism in Domestic Violence

Role of Alcoholism in Domestic Violence

Introduction

Alcoholism is a grim disease which has affected millions of Americans, harmed families, lowered the economic vitality strength, negotiated national vigilance and preparedness, and burdens the health care systems of the country. More than half of the American adults are with the family history of alcoholism and problems caused by it. It has been estimated that three among ten among American adults. 18 years of age and above have been engaged in alcohol abuse at a point in their lives (RSOA, 2011). Their drinking habits have impacted their families and societies as a whole. Among other effects, alcoholism also causes domestic violence and the relation between both is quite complicated. It has been frequently reported that the perpetrator, victim, or both are habitual of alcohol. Due to the prevalence of alcoholism and its role in domestic violence, it is the duty of nurses to provide frequent care to the victims as well as the perpetrators. This paper will outline the prevalence of the problem and how community health nurses play their role in solving this issue.

Prevalence of Problem

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (1999) defines domestic violence as sexual, physical, or emotional violence aimed towards men, women, elders, or children in the sphere of existing or precedent intimate or familial relationships. On the other hand, CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) relates extreme use of alcohol such as binge drinking and heavy drinking to several immediate health risks. Such risks not only pose harmful impacts to consumers but also people living around them. Domestic violence is also one of the complicated impacts of alcoholism (AACN, 1999).

It is evident from different researches that alcohol solely does not cause domestic violence, however, it has been witnessed that alcohol is often present where the domestic violence is exercised. For example, National Woman Abuse Prevention Project reports that some abusers make their alcohol use an excuse for becoming violent. They use alcoholism as justification for their abusive behavior. It has been reported through the National Incident-Based Reporting System that about 11% of domestic violence incidence reported in 2007 involved alcohol. The statistics of 2008 also shows that about 36% victims of domestic violence perceived perpetrators to be under the influence of alcohol (RSOA, 2011).

Alcoholism is also witnessed in intimate partner homicide cases. Alcohol consumption either by the perpetrator or victim, or both of them is an important contributor in nonfatal domestic violence incidents. Research also demonstrates that women with alcoholic partners are more possibly experiencing domestic violence (Marcus & Braaf 2007).

Effects of Alcoholism on Domestic violence

A link has been established between alcohol consumption and seriousness of the act of violence between spouses. If the spouse is under the effects of alcohol time of the assault, the victim actually a short greater risk of being hurt physically and be obliged to have recourse to medical assistance. Beyond physical harm could result from domestic violence, studies show that spouses of alcoholics suffer more anxiety insomnia, tension ...