Bshs 406 - Alcohol and Family Violence

Alcohol and Family Violence

Andrea Beachum

BSHS/406

September 21, 2015

Shawn Miller

Alcohol and Family Violence

Introduction

        In this paper we will take a look at the history of alcohol and the impact that legislative changes have had on both alcohol and family violence. The impact of alcohol abuse has on the addicted and to those around them. The impact of family violence on both the perpetrator and their family. We will also take a look at intervention methods how family rituals can have an impact on the member who is in crisis.

History of Alcohol and Legislative Changes

Alcohol is made from fermented grain, fruits. The process of making alcohol is through a process called fermentation. This type of alcohol is called ethanol.  (What is alcohol?, 2015) Alcohol has been around since the early Egyptian civilization. In the early 1920’s laws were passed prohibiting the manufacturing and sale, import and export of alcohol.  (The truth about alcohol, 2006-2015)

In today’s society the use of alcohol is more evident than in the past.  An estimated 15 million Americans suffer from the use of alcohol.  (The truth about alcohol, 2006-2015).  The term used to describe someone who is suffering from alcohol use is called alcoholism. Alcoholism is a disease and it impacts families on a daily basis. In many families in today’s world they are hiding the fact that someone that they love is being overtaken by the disease of alcoholism.

Alcohol affects a person’s ability to make rational decisions and heightens a person’s stress level. In many families when a person is an alcoholic the level of domestic violence is higher than in families who don’t have a family member who is an alcoholic.

Domestic violence that comes from alcohol abuse leaves scars and pain that is brought on by a loved one who has been drinking. The women and men who are the victims often make excuses for the abuser by saying things like “oh he/she was drinking and they didn’t mean to do what they did.” The alcohol becomes the scapegoat for abuse.  The National Institutes of Health and the National Library of Medicine state that “women who abuse alcohol tend to have a history in place of physical and emotional abuse in their childhood.” (Alcohol Abuse and Domestic Violence, n.d.)

Legislative laws have been put into place to help protect those who are the victims of domestic violence.  These laws include The Violence Against Women Act, The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act. (Violence Against Women, 2012) The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was put into place to provide government agencies and victim advocates provide programs to proctect the abused. It helped create tougher laws and provide legal aid for surviovrs of domestic violene. This law also helps human service providers provide services for children and teens. (Violence Against Women, 2012)