DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ADDICTION
There is a heavy correlation between domestic violence and addiction. Both perpetrators and victims have high rates of substance use disorder or admit to abusing substances in the past year. It can also be very difficult for victims of domestic violence to seek help for their addiction. According to SAMHSA, more than 60% of women seeking drug or alcohol treatment claim their abuser tried to prevent them from going to treatment. Domestic violence and addiction are two complicated issues that often overlap.
Some statistics to help illustrate this fact include:
- 40-60% Of domestic violence incidents co-occur with substance abuse.
- More than 25% of women seeking domestic violence help admit to using substances.
- Over 20% of men who commit domestic violence admit to abusing drugs or alcohol.
- In the US, almost 20 people are abused by their partners every minute; about 10 million per year.
- According to the CDC, 1-4 women and 1-7 men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.