Does Heroin Use Influence Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence?

• In Event: Psychological Consequences of Correctional Systems Involvement

Abstract

This study examines substance use in relation to the perpetration of intimate partner violence. While prior research suggests that alcohol and cocaine are two of the most common illicit substances related to male perpetration of intimate partner violence, this study expands that literature by examining differences between male and female abusers who use heroin specifically. In previous studies, heroin has been linked to violent behavior. Two data sources from two southern states, are used to increase the generalizability of the results. Study 1 includes secondary data of arrestees from the Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse Among the Arrestee Population in Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1999-2001 (ICPSR 3585) study. Study 2 relies on primary data from the Hidalgo County, Texas Adult Probation Department.

Authors

• Amber Griffin, Sam Houston State University

• Brandy L. Blasko, Sam Houston State University