NCJ Number
169968
Date Published
1997
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study provides data on the victims of alcohol-related disorder in Australia.
Abstract
The data were obtained from national surveys conducted since 1985 to determine self-reported drug use. In 1993 and 1995 specific survey questions on alcohol-related behavior were included, so as to determine the extent to which respondents were victims of such behavior. Survey findings show that alcohol- related disorder is widely prevalent in Australia; 46 percent of a national survey sample in 1993 and 41 percent in 1995 reported they had experienced bothersome alcohol-related behavior at least once in the past 12 months. The most common forms of alcohol- related disorder reported were verbal abuse and being put in fear. Young persons, males, those in the paid labor market, and the unmarried had a greater probability of being victims of this kind of behavior. In addition, the person's own level of alcohol consumption was significantly related to levels of victimization. From the crime-prevention perspective, these findings suggest that the training of young males to resolve conflicts without disorder should be included in their schooling. Further, alcoholic beverage licensing regimes should consider regulating the time, place, and manner of alcohol consumption in ways that balance the interests of the drinkers with those of the wider public. Solutions may be sought that involve civil restitution rather than criminal law. 5 tables and 16 references