In an evidence review, the Prevention Collaborative emphasised that alcohol is a globally consistent risk factor for intimate partner violence and violence against children.
The review showed that there is a strong link between men’s harmful alcohol use and the risk of violence against women and children.
It also identified the role of the alcohol industry in shifting the focus from structural, population-level interventions to individual behaviour change.
The review offered an overview of the pathways between harmful alcohol use and violence. The review highlighted that not addressing harmful alcohol use is a missed opportunity to reduce violence in the home.
The review also recommended evidence-based but underutilised strategies to reduce alcohol consumption and address alcohol-related violence, including:
(1) integrating alcohol reduction strategies into new or existing violence prevention and mental health promotion efforts
(2) strengthening linkages with Alcoholics Anonymous or other mutual help and peer support groups, and
(3) supporting community mobilisation around alcohol regulation and joining forces with groups advocating for stronger alcohol regulation.
At FORUT, we believe that working with communities and civil society organizations and pushing for stronger alcohol policies will help create safer homes.
