When a person is put in fear by someone under the influence of alcohol in Australia, what is the most likely relationship between the victim and perpetrator?

When Australians are put in fear by someone under the influence of alcohol, the perpetrator is not known to them in the majority (68%) of cases.

When Australians are put in fear, the perpetrator is a person not known to the victim in 68% of cases, another person known to the victim in 17% of cases, the current/former spouse or partner in 13% of cases, another relative in 11% 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.

Put in Fear: Feeling threatened and/or afraid for one’s personal safety due to the actions, speech or behaviour of another.

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.