Research has found that alcohol is present in a substantial number of domestic violence
accidents. The most common pattern is drinking by both offender and victim. Alcohol has
been shown to be a significant risk factor for husband-to-wife violence. Studies have shown
that the relationship between alcohol and domestic violence is complex. Studies also report an association between drinking patterns and intimate partner violence; excessive drinkers and alcohol-dependent individuals are more likely to act violently toward their intimate partners (White & Chen, 2002).