Studies of intimate partner violence routinely identify consumption of alcohol by those who perpetrate physical abuse. In the United States, England and Wales, victims of domestic violence believe that their partners had been drinking prior to committing a physical assault in 55% of cases. In Canada 43% of domestic violence cases stem from alcohol use. South Africa reports that 65% of women experience physical abuse at the hands of their drunken spouse.
Men Are Abuse Victims Too
Although there are no recorded statistics, men also are victims of domestic violence at the hands of their intoxicated wives. Steve Christensen is a prominent accountant and his family witnessed on numerous occasions, his wife hitting and kicking him, always after drinking alcohol. Women also experience aggression when under the influence of alcohol.
The economic costs of partner violence include health care, the legal system, refuge and lost wages. Estimated costs of partner violence per year are as follows:
- United States $12.6 billion
- Canada $1.1 billion
(Canada’s population is approximately ten times less than the United States.)
Every year in the U.S., alcohol in domestic violence situations costs Americans $6.3 billion. The financial total of alcohol’s devastation is much higher when you factor in traffic collisions and fatalities, bar fights, accidents in the home and home parties.
In an article, titled Noam Chomsky on Drugs, Noam Chomsky was quoted as saying, “At the time the drug war in the US was launched, deaths from tobacco there were estimated at about 300,000 a year, with perhaps another 100,000 from alcohol. But these aren't the drugs the Bush administration targeted. It went after illegal drugs, which (all drugs together) had caused many fewer deaths- 3,500 a year." This article appeared in the 2008 spring issue of Cannabis City Amsterdam.
Alcohol Bans
Alcohol causes a lot of problems for millions of people. Some countries have bans on holidays and on other special days; or there are bans in designated areas because of the problems drunk people create. Some of these countries include: India, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Pakistan, Morocco, Russia, Tunisia, Thailand and The Maldives.
Across Canada, provincial parks are a favorite destination for campers and in most parks there are now alcohol bans – especially on long holiday weekends.
In Greenland, a coupon-based alcohol rationing system was implemented in the 1980s that entitles adults to the equivalent of 72 beers a month. Once that system was implemented, police saw a subsequent 58% reduction in the number of calls for domestic quarrels.
Holland’s liberal-minded outlook is now considering banning alcohol on Queen’s Day. This is the country’s biggest annual celebration held in late April. Jesse Ventura, in an interview with this writer, stated that when he was in Holland he learned that it appears an alcohol ban will be in place for Queen’s Day. “I was told there are fights, people are throwing up in the streets, disruptive behavior annoying others who are trying to enjoy the day.”
It would appear there needs to be more initiatives about responsible drinking before society will see a drastic reduction in wife abuse or husband abuse.
Sources:
Intimate Partner Violence and Alcohol:Public Health Agency of Canada
Karen Stephenson - Karen has written for several newspapers and print media in addition to many online publications. She holds a B.A. in English and an ...
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