Family violence and victimization: treatment issues for women with alcohol problems

A brief overview of the prevalence of violence in women's lives and psychological and physical consequences of these experiences is presented, with special attention to populations of women with alcohol and other drug problems. Barriers to identification of violent victimization within health care settings are discussed. Finally, potential areas for further consideration regarding policy, practice, and research are identified. The relationships between women's experiences of violent victimization and their use of alcohol and drugs are documented, although prior research has not fully explored or explained the etiologic nature of these relationships. Of additional importance is the recognition that various forms of violence occur throughout a single life span. Women's histories of violent victimization negatively affect their children, and thus, intergenerational issues are of concern. Understanding how the combined problems of alcohol and drugs interconnect with violence is relevant to the delivery of health services for women.