Joan* shares her harrowing experience of how alcohol intensified family violence, leading to severe consequences for her daughter. Her daughter’s partner, a heavy drinker, violently attacked her one Friday night, resulting in long-term physical and emotional trauma. The attack escalated to the point where her teenage children had to intervene and call the police. Weeks later, Joan’s daughter suffered a stroke, likely linked to the non-fatal strangulation she endured during the attack.

Joan emphasises that while alcohol is never an excuse for family violence, it significantly exacerbates the risk and severity of such incidents. She points out the alarming rise in alcohol availability through unregulated online sales and rapid delivery, which has contributed to increased domestic violence. Joan advocates for restricting the availability of alcohol as a crucial step in addressing its role in family violence.

*Name has been changed for privacy.

Source: FARE