Written Question · S3W-21759 · Session 3
Whether it is concerned that its conclusion in its report Changing Scotland’s Relationship with Alcohol: A Framework for Action, that alcoh…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is concerned that its conclusion in its report Changing Scotland’s Relationship with Alcohol: A Framework for Action, that alcohol is a major cause of violence may undermine the work of the violence against women sector, which has consistently argued that alcohol abuse is not a cause of domestic abuse and other gender-based violence.
The answer
The alcohol framework for action does not undermine the work of the violence against women sector. The framework discusses the link between alcohol and violence, but does not specifically refer to domestic abuse. The Scottish Government is clear that the relationship between alcohol and crime, particularly violent crime and antisocial behaviour, is strong. Homicide (the most serious violent crime) statistics for 2007-08, published in December 2008, show that 45% of the 148 persons accused in homicide cases were reported to have been drunk or on drugs at the time of the incident.
In relation to domestic abuse, The Scottish Government recognises that alcohol misuse can exacerbate the problem but is not an underlying cause. However, it is acknowledged that alcohol can be a contributing factor or used as an excuse by perpetrators of the crime. The relationship between alcohol and domestic abuse is complex, but where domestic abuse exists, alcohol is often present. A 2003 Home Office study into domestic violence found that in 62% of cases alcohol was present, while almost half (48%) convicted for domestic violence were alcohol dependent. It concluded that alcohol may be a distinguishing factor in domestic violence offenders.
In relation to domestic abuse, The Scottish Government recognises that alcohol misuse can exacerbate the problem but is not an underlying cause. However, it is acknowledged that alcohol can be a contributing factor or used as an excuse by perpetrators of the crime. The relationship between alcohol and domestic abuse is complex, but where domestic abuse exists, alcohol is often present. A 2003 Home Office study into domestic violence found that in 62% of cases alcohol was present, while almost half (48%) convicted for domestic violence were alcohol dependent. It concluded that alcohol may be a distinguishing factor in domestic violence offenders.
In the Official Report
1 contribution mention S3W-21759-
2 Dec 2009Violence Against Women
In due course, I will come to the intervention that I was going to make, which was about interdicts and moving from civil to criminal procedures.As has already been said, violence can be physical, emotional and psychological—that is not an…