Estimates and predictors of alcohol-related harm to intimate partners in Australia An analysis of a nationally representative survey

Aims: This study explores the prevalence and predictors reported by men and women of alcohol-related intimate partner violence (ARIPV), that is, verbal abuse, physical abuse, and being put in fear by intimate partners when partners were under the influence of alcohol.

Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of the 2019 Australian National Drug Strategy Household Survey included 22,015 respondents (9,804 men, and 12,211 women) aged 14 years or older. The prevalence of ARIPV in the past year is described, and the ARIPV predictors were analysed using chi-square tests and logistic regressions, overall and separately for men and women.

Results: An estimated 3.4% of the Australian adult population (4.7% women, 2.1% men) reported any ARIPV in 2019. The prevalence of ARIPV was higher among participants who were women, middle-aged (35–44 years), had a certificate or diploma, were less advantaged, were divorced, separated, or widowed, single with dependents, living in more regional and remote areas, and undertook heavy episodic drinking (HED) weekly or less often. Age, marital status, household composition, and any HED predicted any ARIPV for women, while higher education levels and weekly or monthly HED were significant for men.

Discussion and conclusions: Women were twice as likely to report intimate partner violence (IPV) from their male partner when they were under the influence of alcohol, as were men. The findings underline that interventions are needed to address IPV from intoxicated partners.