Research shows that a large proportion of women who
use substances are victims of violence in their
relationships, incest, rape, sexual assault and child
physical abuse.
33 For example, the United Nations has
recognized that experiences of relationship violence
have lead to increased alcohol and drug dependency in
women.34 Women impacted by violence are more likely
to smoke cigarettes, use alcohol heavily, misuse
prescription drugs, and use illegal drugs.
35 Alcohol
dependency has been found to be up to 15 times higher for women impacted by violence than
in the general public.
36
Additionally, victims of violence are more likely to use multiple types of
substances and to use higher levels of substances than those who have not experienced
violence.