Substance use and intimate partner violence among California's diverse population: Findings from the 2007 California Health Interview Survey

Background and Methods

Studies suggest an association between alcohol use and intimate partner violence (IPV). Substance use can both trigger IPV incidents among couples and serve as a coping device after incidents occur. California Health Interview Survey (CHIS 2007) data were analyzed to identify patterns of substance-related violence by gender and racial/ethnic group. A random-digit-dial sample of 37,330 adults, ages 18 to 65, was asked about lifetime and recent IPV, help-seeking, and the intersection of substance use and IPV.

Results

Sixteen percent reported experiencing physical IPV and 5% sexual IPV since age 18: women's rates were 21% and 8%, respectively; in contrast, men's rates were 11% and 1%. Eighteen percent experienced an incident in the past 12 months. During the most recent incident, 34% reported partner drinking and 20% reported partner drug use; women were more likely than men to report partner drug use (25% vs. 14%) and alcohol use (41% vs. 28%). Whites (48%) had the highest prevalence of recent physical violence, followed by Hispanics (32%), African Americans (10%), Asians (6%) and Other/Multiple races (3%). Among Whites, 35% reported partner drinking and 21% reported partner drug use during the most recent incident. All victims were more likely to engage in binge drinking than non-victims (51% vs. 32%).

Conclusion

Health care providers should regularly screen for substance use in coordination with violence screening among both men and women in order to appropriately counsel and refer to needed services more effectively.