Are younger or older Australians more likely to experience alcohol-related verbal abuse?

Australians aged 25-29 years are the age group most likely to experience verbal abuse by someone under the influence of alcohol. From 30 years of age, the incidence of alcohol-related verbal abuse decreases with age.

In Australia, 8% of 14-17 year olds experienced alcohol-related verbal abuse in the past 12 months, compared to 25% of 18-24 year olds; 26% of 25-29 year olds; 21% of 30-39 year olds; 19% of 40-49 year olds; 18% of 50-59 year olds; 13% of 60-69 year olds; and 8% of 70+ year olds.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey.

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.

Verbal Abuse: Speech which is designed to humiliate, degrade, demean, intimidate, or subjugate (including the threat of physical violence).