When a person is put in fear by someone under the influence of alcohol in Australia, is the relationship between the victim and perpetrator different for men and women?
For both Australian men and women, most incidents of being put in fear by someone under the influence of alcohol are perpetrated by a stranger. However, women are more likely than men to be put in fear by a spouse/partner, relative, or other person known to them.
When Australian men are put in fear by someone under the influence of alcohol, the perpetrator is a person not known to the victim in 78% of cases, another person known to the victim in 15%; the current/former spouse or partner in 4% of cases; another relative in 8% of cases; and a friend in 7% of cases.
When Australian women are put in fear by someone under the influence of alcohol, the perpetrator is a person not known to the victim in 61% of cases, another person known to the victim in 19% of cases, the current/former spouse or partner in 18% of cases; another relative in 14% 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.