Perpetrator alcohol use and intimate partner violence in high-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Amany Tanyos, Bree Willoughby, Cassandra Hopkins et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and multi-level random-effects meta-analysis examined harmful alcohol use and intimate partner violence perpetration among adults in heterosexual relationships in high-income countries. Across 21 studies involving 76,736 participants, harmful alcohol use was associated with higher odds of both man-to-woman IPV (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.19-1.67) and woman-to-man IPV (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.04-1.27). Moderator analyses suggested that associations varied by drinking measure and study setting, particularly for women.
Key findings
- Harmful alcohol use was associated with increased odds of man-to-woman IPV (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.19-1.67).
- Harmful alcohol use was associated with increased odds of woman-to-man IPV (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.04-1.27).
- Among men, alcohol use disorder, dependence, or binge/heavy drinking was linked to greater IPV perpetration than occasional drinking.
- For women, the association was evident with categorical harmful-drinking measures and in national samples, but not with continuous consumption measures.
Why it matters
The findings indicate that harmful alcohol use is associated with IPV perpetration in both directions, while suggesting that the strength of the association depends on how alcohol use is measured and the population studied. This supports considering alcohol-related factors when developing or evaluating IPV prevention and intervention approaches, without implying that alcohol use alone explains or causes violence.
What to keep in mind
The review included only peer-reviewed English-language studies from high-income countries and adults in heterosexual relationships; the reported associations do not establish causation.