Substance Abuse Linked to Domestic Violence

The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence shows a clear link between substance abuse and domestic violence. Statistics indicate that up to 50 percent of men who are in counseling for domestic abuse are identified as substance abusers.

Domestic Violence is a Growing Concern

In the United States, domestic violence in dating relationships and marriages is a growing concern. According to Futures Without Violence, at least three women are murdered by their boyfriends or husbands every day. Nearly one in four women report experiencing domestic violence by a current or former partner at some point in their relationship. Statistics show that 75 percent of domestic abusers are male, and women between the ages of 20 to 24 are at the highest risk for non-fatal domestic violence. Sexual assaults and domestic violence on college campuses are on the rise, and most attacks seen by an assault lawyer are linked to alcohol and/or drug abuse.

More than 15 million children in the U.S. live in families where domestic violence occurred at least once in the past year, and seven million children live in families where severe injuries occurred from domestic violence. In Minnesota, children were present in one-third of cases that resulted in the death of their mother in 2016.

Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is a definite link between substance abuse and domestic violence. Studies show that between 25 and 50 percent of men who commit domestic violence have substance abuse problems. In reported incidences of domestic violence, more than 30 percent of abusers were drinking at the time of the assault, and 90 percent abused substances including alcohol and cocaine on the day of the assault. In reported cases where men attempted to kill their partner, alcohol was involved in over two-thirds of cases. In cases where men actually killed their partner, 25 percent were under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Approximately 75 percent of domestic violence victims who have substance abuse problems are with a partner who also has a substance abuse problem. Although heroin and cocaine are linked to high rates of domestic violence, marijuana use on a frequent basis and prescription pain medications like oxycodone and vicodin are also linked to incidences of domestic violence. An assault lawyer in Minnesota commonly sees sexual assault and domestic violence cases that involve alcohol and/or drug abuse or addiction.

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Understanding Solicitation and Enticement Laws in Minnesota

Recently, a sex sting operation in Bloomington, Minnesota, led to the arrest of at least 14 men, including former Minnesota Senator Justin Eichorn. The operation involved undercover officers posing as minors online, engaging with individuals who sought to solicit sexual conduct. 

Accused of Criminal Sexual Conduct at a Minnesota College? What You Need to Know

You will go through a disciplinary hearing if you have been accused of criminal sexual conduct at a Minnesota college. The college disciplinary board will conduct the hearing under Title IX law. This federal law requires learning institutions to investigate and resolve student sexual misconduct separately from concurrent or related criminal proceedings. The college administration will punish you appropriately if the hearing determines that you contravened the sexual consent policies under the college’s Code of Conduct. The punishment can range from suspension and college-imposed probationary period to expulsion and compulsory sexual education classes.

Busted at a Music Festival? What Happens If You’re Caught With Club Drugs in Minnesota

One question you may ask when planning to attend an upcoming music festival is: What happens if I’m caught with club drugs in Minnesota? The legal consequences of getting busted with drugs at a music festival include an arrest, criminal charges, a fine, and imprisonment. Beyond the legal consequences, a drug crime charge or conviction can lower your chances of securing employment, housing, and student loans. It may also strain your relationships with family, friends, and society.