Each week in the U.K. around 13,000 violent incidents occur in or near licensed premises (Home Office, 1999).

Fights break out in 6% of British pubs every week. Around 5% of pub managers are assaulted every month (1996).

In 41% of contact crimes, including assaults and muggings, the offender has been drinking (British Crime Survey, 1996).

In 61% of violent assaults resulting in facial injuries either the assailant or ther victim has been drinking (Home Office, 1999).

The use of alcohol is associated with 40% of reported domestic violence incidents.

Approximately 65% of men who assault their partners do so under the influence of alcohol (Jacobs, 1998).

A study of domestic violence by Orford (1976) found a strong association between alcohol intoxication and aggressive behaviour. The female partners of male problem drinkers reported that 72% had been threatened, 45% beaten, and 44% attacked when their husbands were intoxicated.

Violence is more likely to occur when the individual is intoxicated or in withdrawal.

The classic image of alcohol-related violence involves a drunken father returning home from the pub and threatening / frightening his wife and children (- unfortunately this scenario is not uncommon).

Alcohol use may be associated with abusive behaviour - and family members may feeel anxious, frightened, worried, cowed, intimidated, etc.

Whilst alcohol-related violence is often associated with intoxicated males perpetrating violence on sober females (the "battered wife" situation) - other situations may also develop. These include:- violence perpetrated by (drunken or sober) female; violence towards other family members (egs. siblings, parents, etc.) and violence by a sober male towards a female partner with a drink problem.

Violent incidents may result in police involvement - and embarrassment if this witnessed by neighbours (often leading to social ostracism).

There may be a "climate of fear" - as the victim fails to press charges due to the threat of further violence. This situation has recently been challenged by some police state departments in the U.S.A. who are now pressing charges without requiring the victim's acquiescence.

Alcohol use is also implicated in pub brawls and street crime - the intoxicated drinker being a prime target for opportunistic offenders.

Alcohol-related violence - can result in injury, sickness and loss of employment / earnings - with adverse economic consequences for both individual and society.