New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorneys
Domestic Violence and Alcoholism
Many who stand accused of domestic violence, such as spousal abuse, child neglect, or assault and battery, also contend with significant drug and alcohol addiction. One study suggests that the correlation between domestic abuse and alcoholism may be as high as 80%.
Alcoholism Statistics
According to a variety of independent research institutes, approximately 14 million people in the United States are addicted to alcohol. In 2005, alcohol dependence and abuse cost the nation around $220 billion. Males are two and a half times more likely than females to use and abuse alcohol – approximately 10 million versus 3.9 million. Genetics plays a crucial (although indirect) role in the development of alcoholism. Some studies suggest that as much as 40% of the problem may be a result of genetics. In addition to damaging relationships, alcoholism can also damage your body. Drinking ethanol in excess quantity over a long period of time can damage the pancreas, liver, kidneys, and brain.
Domestic Violence Statistics
According to a US Department of Justice study conducted just over a decade ago on 16,000 participants, approximately a quarter of all women claimed to have been assaulted or raped by a spouse, partner, or acquaintance. Nearly 8% of men claim the same. Another US Department of Justice survey found that around 1.3 million women and more than 830,000 men get assaulted by a partner every year in the US. US Department of Justice statistics compiled in late 1990s and early 2000s found that nearly 50% of violent crimes against family members involved spouses harming each other. Women get abused more often than men do – 84% of victims are women.
Alcoholism and Domestic Violence: Lethal Cocktail or Coincidence?
Given that individuals who abuse their spouses and children tend to be more likely than the average individual to abuse alcohol and drugs, one might assume that alcoholism leads to domestic violence. However, as any good statistician will tell you, "correlation does not imply causation." Just because there is an association between alcoholism and abuse does not mean that this association gives us any useful information.
For instance, obesity and cancer are statistically correlated. Does this mean that getting cancer makes you obese or that getting obese gives you cancer? Perhaps an outside factor could be the causal agent for both problems. For instance, some dietary factor, like excess sugar in the diet, could cause both obesity and cancer.
The general point here is that defendants in NJ domestic abuse cases often find both their character and their rights under attack from all sides. To distinguish fact from fiction and to construct the most appropriate and sound defense possible, you need to consult a veteran domestic violence defense attorney. Look to Lependorf & Silverstein, two of New Jersey's most respected and effective criminal defense attorneys. Call 609-240-0040 today for a free and confidential consultation.