In: Psychology
Explain the possible correclation where both perpetrators and victims of violent crimes are likely to have consumed alcohol prior to certain aggressive acts, such as rape, assault, domestic violence, and murder (Collins and Messerschmidt 1993; Arseneault et al.2000; Cunradi et al. 1999; Scott et al. 1999).
ARSENEAULT, L.; MOFFITT, T.E.; CASPI, A.; TAYLOR, P.J.; AND SILVA, P.A. Mental disorders and violence in a total birth cohort: Results from the Dunedin Study. Archives of General Psychiatry 57:979–986, 2000.
COLLINS, J.J., AND MESSERSCHMIDT, M.A. Epidemiology of alcohol-related violence. Alcohol Health & Research World 17:93–100, 1993.
CUNRADI, C.B.; CAETANO, R.; CLARK, C.L.; AND SCHAFER, J. Alcohol-related problems and inti mate partner violence among white, black, and Hispanic couples in the U.S. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research 23:1492–1501, 1999.
SCOTT, K.D.; SCHAFER, J.; AND GREENFIELD, T.K. The role of alcohol in physical assault perpetration and victimization. Journal of Studies on Alcohol 60:528–536, 1999.
It's true that in most cases, either the victim or the perpetrator or both would have consumed alcohol or other drugs. Many studies have found a strong correlation where both perpetrators and victims of violent crimes had consumed alcohol prior to certain aggressive acts, such as rape, assault, domestic violence, and murder. Although, in general it's true, the numbers differ from one race to other as it was found that in USA, Black community tops the chart followed by Hispanics and Whites. This is partly because of the cultural differences and the limit of individual freedom.
and other intoxicating drugs will
affect the brain from functioning normally, thus, if we ask most of
the perpetrators of crime, they would simply answer I don't
remember anything. This euphoric state of mind cause them all
struggle because they won't be able to control themselves and their
emotions. They will be in a state where they could be easily
provoked. Some are planned and some are just accidental. Friends
getting drunk and get into argument and fight is a common sight.
When people are drunk, they won't be able to control their sexual
urge, thus ending up raping someone.
Another important reason for violence is the family problems, it
could be sexual, financial etc. Especially, when a poor person
comes home drunk, he tends to act violently towards the spouse and
the children. So, alcohol and other intoxicating drugs help the
perpetrators involve in criminal activities. The reverse is also
true that when the victims, in their drunken state act without
control thus giving room for crime.