NCJ Number
153137
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 24 Issue: 1 and 2 Dated: (Winter/Spring 1994) Pages: 165-177
Date Published
1994
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Interviews were conducted with 42 women with extensive abuse histories who had killed their intimates and 59 women with similar abuse histories who were in shelters for battered women, so as to determine patterns of drug use and alcohol use among these women.
Abstract
In addition to basic demographic information and a section that dealt with childhood experiences, the major portions of the interview examined relationships and the dynamics associated with those relationships. One portion of the interview included a list of 134 different behaviors that could be considered abusive. Alcohol and other drug use was recorded for the home of origin and for the most recent intimate relationship for both the respondent and her partner. The remaining sections of the interview examined issues associated with arguments, attempts to get help, reactions of others, and whether the respondents felt mistreated. Controlling for demographic and other differences, analyses found that alcohol and other drug use distinguished between the two groups of women (correctly classifying 89 percent of the cases), and that alcohol use was more salient than other drug use. The partner's alcohol use and the respondent's alcohol use were significantly higher among the intimate homicide groups, suggesting an association between intimate homicide and alcohol use. Alcohol counseling should, therefore, be a significant part of programs for both battered women and for men who batter. 4 tables and 33 references