Domestic violence: alcoholism as a cause and a contributing factor

Abstract

The article examines the influence of alcoholism as one of the main factors contributing to domestic violence. It was established that alcoholism is a problem that significantly increases the psychological causes of violence, is a significant factor that affects the spread of domestic violence, as it significantly changes a person’s behavior and psycho-emotional state. Under the influence of alcohol, people can lose self-control, become more aggressive and prone to violent actions, which is especially dangerous in the home environment, where interaction takes place against the background of close relationships and emotional dependence. It is motivated that people under the influence of alcohol can exaggerate the importance of minor misunderstandings or react to them with disproportionate aggression, which leads to the escalation of conflicts that could be resolved without violence under normal circumstances. It is indicated that an important aspect is that alcoholism affects the psychological state of all family members. Victims of violence, especially domestic violence, often feel isolated and vulnerable, which can lead to social tension and conflict in communities. Victims of domestic violence may experience constant fear and stress due to the unpredictability of their partner’s behavior, which creates a state of chronic tension that can lead to mental disorders. It is highlighted how the use of alcohol changes a person’s behavior, reducing his ability to self-control and increasing the risk of aggressive actions. Particular attention is paid to how alcoholism creates economic instability and psychological stress for victims, making it difficult to get out of violent relationships. The social aspect of the problem was also investigated, in particular the influence of the cultural legitimization of alcohol on the perception of violence. In some societies, alcohol is part of a cultural practice that can contribute to the normalization of aggressive behavior and reduce the perceived seriousness of violence. To effectively combat domestic violence, it is necessary to change social norms and raise awareness of the negative consequences of alcoholism, while providing adequate support to victims.