Liquid courage: Alcohol consumption and sexual violence

Alcohol and drug use are often found to be high catalysts for violent behavior. Research has found that alcohol is a frequently-cited contributor to sexual violence - approximately one-half of all cases of sexual assault and rape involve alcohol consumption by the perpetrator, the victim, or both . Perpetrators believe that women who have two or more drinks are more interested than other women in having sex . While alcohol and other drug use alone do not cause violence, they can interact with other risk factors to increase the likelihood of violent incidents. With relationship violence, an already volatile relationship can be exacerbated by alcohol. This presentation will report on the relationship between alcohol consumption at the point of sale and sexually violent acts and actions that take place in licensed establishments.

Bar and club personnel (including servers, security and managers/owners) have a key role in preventing violence in bar/club settings by deterring and detecting disorder as well as managing acts of misconduct among patrons. This presentation will focus on the information gathered during focus groups and surveys of Cambridge, MA liquor licensees that serve as the basis for a plan to foster understanding about the signs and symptoms of violence that are detectable in the bar/club setting. Additionally, the plan will help violence and substance abuse prevention advocates and professionals assist bar and club personnel in developing skills in effective intervention techniques that increase the safety of staff and customers.