The role of substance use in same-day intimate partner violence: A review of the literature

Previous research examining the relationship between substance use and intimate partner violence (IPV) demonstrates correlations over the long term, but does not show how both are related on the same day. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to review recent literature (N = 17 studies) on the role of specific substances in same-day IPV. The literature offers robust evidence that men and women's alcohol use increases the likelihood of perpetrating physical violence on the same day. Some preliminary results suggest that young men and women's alcohol use possibly increases the odds that they will perpetrate same-day psychological aggression. In addition, preliminary results suggest that men's, as well as women's, cocaine use possibly increases a women's risk of becoming a victim of same-day IPV. Consequently, the role alcohol has in especially physical IPV perpetration cannot be denied, either in future research or in clinical practice. Because alcohol use also increases the likelihood of dating violence perpetration for both men and women, early intervention and treatment is warranted. Dating violence also increases the risk of (young) adult IPV perpetration and victimization, and thus, addressing substance use in adolescence seems an appropriate means to diminish dating violence and thwart the occurrence of IPV in (young) adulthood.