The Role of Perpetrator Alcohol Use in the Injury Outcomes of Intimate Assaults

Little research has been conducted on the role of perpetrator alcohol use in the injury outcomes of intimate assaults, although alcohol use by an intimate partner may be related to more severe assault outcomes (physical injury and need for medical attention) than is no alcohol use. The role of perceived perpetrator alcohol use in the injury outcomes of intimate assaults (N = 909) was analyzed using 1992–1996 National Crime Victimization Survey data. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that perpetrator alcohol use was associated with increased likelihood of physical injury and marginally associated with more medical attention seeking by the victim when demographic variables and assault characteristics were controlled. Suggestions for future research on the relationship between alcohol and intimate assault outcomes are presented.