Alcohol has been hypothesized to play a role in victimization (Logan, Walker, Cole & Leukefeld, 2002; Testa, Livingston & Leonard, 2003); however, the association of victim alcohol use and the experience of partner violence is complex and studies have found conflicting results. Some research has suggested that women who use alcohol are more likely to experience moderate partner violence, but that alcohol use does not seem to influence the likelihood of severe violence (Kantor & Straus, 1989). Other research has suggested that women's alcohol use plays little to no role in victimization (Scott, Schafer, & Greenfield, 1999; Testa et al., 2003). Women with protective orders typically report a severe history of victimization (Harrell & Smith, 1996; Keilitz, Hannaford & Efkeman, 1997; Logan, Shannon & Walker, 2005), yet research has generally not explored the association of victim alcohol use as a potential risk factor for increased severity/frequency of violence among women with protective orders. The current research seeks to fill in gaps relating to the association of victim's alcohol use and differential experiences with violence within a sample of women with protective orders.

Data was gathered from rural and urban women who were recruited from court after receiving a protective order against a male partner. Results from face-to-face interviews were obtained from 757 participants. Groups were based on self-reported alcohol use within the past year (n=254 no alcohol use, n=250 moderate alcohol use, n=253 heavy alcohol use). Several victimization subscales were utilized to examine the association of alcohol use and partner-perpetrated victimization including: verbal, degradation, jealousy/control, symbolic violence, and serious threats. Stalking and physical victimization (e.g., moderate physical, severe physical, sexual insistence, sexual violence and victimization injuries) were examined.

Due to numerous demographic and relationship differences between alcohol-use groups, one-way ANCOVA controlling for victim age, geographic area, employment status, yearly income, length of relationship and relationship status (e.g., married vs. cohabitating) were used in multivariate analysis to analyze victimization measures. Overall, results from the ANCOVA showed significant differences on symbolic violence (F (2, 692) = 8.47, p<.001) and injury from violence (F (2, 692) = 6.704, p<.01), with heavy users reporting more incidences of both.

This research may serve to fill gaps in the literature on an under-researched topic, victim's alcohol use and experiences with intimate partner violence. Research has previously focused on the association of intimate partner violence and perpetrator substance use, especially the increased likelihood of stalking and physical perpetration (Willson et al., 2000). In this study there were subtle differences in victimization experiences based on alcohol use. This research has critical implications for practitioners working in women's substance abuse and partner violence agencies. These findings suggest that it is not only perpetrator substance use which may have an association with differential levels of victimization, but victim's substance use also appears to play a role in the experience of victimization.