Intimate Partner Violence

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes intimate partner violence
(IPV) as psychological, physical, or sexual harm that is committed by a current or former
partner (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018). There are various ways in which
intimate partner violence manifests itself. According to the Power and Control Wheel, one of
these ways is intimidation. Intimidation includes all actions, looks, and gestures that make a
partner to be afraid (The Duluth Model, 2016). They include displaying of weapons, property
destruction, and smashing things in the house (The Duluth Model, 2016). There is strong
evidence linking alcohol consumption, particularly heavy drinking, with intimate partner
intimidation.
First, heavy alcohol consumption has been found to create stressful and unhappy
relationships which significantly increases the risk of partner intimidation (Easton & Crane,
2016). For instance, alcohol abuse increases chances of regular confrontation between the
partners which leads to the drunk partner destroying property and smashing things around in
anger. Secondly, alcohol use significantly reduces an individual’s self-control by directly
affecting their physical and cognitive function (Easton & Crane, 2016). Therefore, the
individuals become incapable of negotiating peaceful resolutions to any conflicts or
disagreements that may emerge in the relationship. Lastly, societal as well as individual
beliefs that alcohol consumption leads to aggression may encourage alcohol drinkers to
engage in violent behaviors (Easton & Crane, 2016). Additionally, such beliefs encourage
alcohol abusers to use alcohol as an excuse for their unbecoming behaviors. Thus, alcohol
consumption is both a direct and indirect contributor to intimate partner violence, especially
intimidation.

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In conclusion, there is a direct link between alcohol abuse and intimate partner
violence. Heavy alcohol consumption creates an environment that encourages intimate
partner violence. It also changes the cognitive functions of individuals which makes them
more prone to engaging in intimate partner violence.

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References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2018). Intimate Partner Violence
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/index.html
Easton, C. J., & Crane, C. A. (2016). Interventions to reduce intimate partner violence
perpetration among people with substance use disorders. International review of
psychiatry, 28(5), 533-543.
The Duluth Model (2016). Power and Control Wheel – Understanding the Power and
Control. https://youtu.be/5OrAdC6ySiY