When a person experiences alcohol-related physical abuse, what is the most likely relationship between the victim and perpetrator?
When Australians experience physical abuse by someone under the influence of alcohol, the perpetrator of the abuse is not known to them in the majority (54%) of cases.
When Australians experience physical abuse by someone under the influence of alcohol, the perpetrator is a person not known to the victim in 54% of cases, another person known to the victim in 20% of cases, the current/former spouse or partner in 19% of cases; another relative in 12% of cases, and a friend in 7% of cases.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey.
Please note: Percentages do not tally to 100% as participants could choose more than one response.
Physical Abuse: An act which causes pain and/or injury to the victim.
Under the Influence of Alcohol: There is no single objective standard for being under the influence of alcohol. Similarly, data sources used in the NADK do not provide a definition of this term. It is popularly understood as referring to an individual who has consumed enough alcohol to impair their mental, physical, and/or cognitive faculties. However, definitions and standards may vary between jurisdictions, sectors and organisations.