This article is brought to you by the St. Hubert Domestic Violence Ministry. Do you wish to join this ministry? Next meeting February 1 ^st at 7:00 PM in the Bernardin Room located on the second floor of the Ministry Center. If you can’t make this meeting, but would still like to get involved, for more information, please contact the Ministry Coordinator at ministryinfo@sainthubert.org
 

Myths Concerning Abuse in the Home PART II

Myth: Most domestic violence incidents are caused by alcohol or drug abuse.
 
Fact: Many people have alcohol and/or drug problems, but are not violent; similarly, many batterers are not substance abusers. How people behave when they are "under the influence" of alcohol and/or drugs depends on a complex combination of personal, social, physical, and emotional factors. And, like many other types of behavior, alcohol- or drug-affected behavior patterns are culturally learned.
 
It is often easier to blame an alcohol or drug abuse problem than to admit that you or your partner is violent, even when sober. Episodes of problem drinking and incidents of domestic violence often occur separately and must be treated as two distinct issues. Neither alcoholism nor drugs can explain or excuse domestic violence.
 
Source:  www.stopabuse.umich.edu/about/myths.html
 
If you or someone you know is being abused, seek help today. In an emergency, please dial 911. For all other help, please call: Illinois Statewide Domestic Violence Helpline 877-TO END DV ( 877-863-6338), 877-863-6339 TTY or call WINGS 24-hour hotline 847-221-5680.