Regarding partner violence, research evidence indicates that it is more strongly associated
with heavy drinking, whether usual or occasional, than is non-partner violence, and conflicts
as to whether drinking by the victim makes violent acts by a partner more likely. That alcohol
consumption has a stronger association with partner violence than with nonpartner violence
may be a matter of access, with partners having more contact and thus more opportunities for
violent encounters (Gmel & Rehm, 2003). 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).