The longitudinal association between alcohol use and intimate partner violence among ethnically diverse community women

Research has consistently demonstrated a strong link between substance misuse and the perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV). However, studies examining whether substance misuse is associated with IPV victimization have been mixed. Using data collected from 835 low-income ethnically diverse community women, this study extends previous research by utilizing a longitudinal design, considering men's and women's alcohol use, and examining multiple forms of abuse. Despite overall decreases in drinking and abuse, the frequency of male partners' drinking continued to be associated with their perpetration of threats, violence, and sexual aggression. Women's alcohol use frequency was associated with sustaining physical violence, but not threats of violence or sexual aggression.