Family Solicitors

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for County Durham Ron Hogg has warned that drinking to excess over the festive season could lead to an increase in domestic violence – and has asked drinkers to be more aware of the link between alcohol misuse and domestic abuse.

Mr Hogg has made addressing the link between alcohol and drug misuse and domestic violence one of his main priorities – and has criticised the government for failing to do more to tackle alcohol-related domestic violence.

He has called for a minimum price to be set for a unit of alcohol – and is also addressing alcohol and drug misuse as one of his key priorities because of the harm alcohol and drugs can cause to the individuals who use them.

“Drinking cheap, high-strength alcohol bought in supermarkets and consumed at home is recognised as a cause for concern – and has encouraged high levels of intoxication, while lowering the demand for alcohol in licensed premises,” said Mr Hogg.

“When people choose to drink at home, there are fewer controls compared to in licensed premises,” he added.

Mr Hogg is working with his fellow PCCs in Cleveland and Northumbria in writing a public letter to the government criticising its failure to set a minimum price per unit for alcohol to help reduce alcohol-related incidents and crime.

Mr Hogg said that links between alcohol misuse and domestic violence were well established – and risks were especially high during the festive period.

“The festive season can be a great opportunity to relax, have fun and enjoy time with family and friends. However, I urge people to be aware of their alcohol limits and look out for each other, particularly for those who may become vulnerable and are most at risk,” he said.

In March 2012, the government announced that a minimum pricing strategy for a unit of alcohol would be set.

The suggested minimum price level was mooted as 40-45p per unit. The move was also supported by the NHS as the number of those suffering from alcohol-related illness and disease continue to soar – including young adults developing liver disease and high-income baby boomers who drink at home. In East Lancashire, NHS staff have recently reported a huge rise in the number of people in middle age being admitted to hospital for alcohol and drug abuse.

The Home Office launched a 10-week consultation plan into a minimum pricing strategy for alcohol in November 2012, as part of Prime Minister David Cameron’s “scourge” on binge drinking in the UK.

UK charity Alcohol Concern says that alcohol in itself does not cause domestic violence – but often in cases of domestic violence, alcohol is a factor. Sarah Galvani of Bedfordshire University is author of a factsheet for Alcohol Concern and says in the UK there is very little data on the link between the number of men and women who suffer domestic abuse and abusive partners who regularly consume alcohol.

However in the US, the American Medical Association estimates that around 75% of women married to alcoholics have been threatened with violence by their husbands – and 45% have been assaulted by their alcoholic husbands.

Duncan Lewis Domestic Violence Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of family solicitors and can offer sympathetic and confidential legal advice on a wide range of family issues, including domestic violence.

Duncan Lewis domestic violence solicitors can also offer legal advice on a range of children’s matters, including when a child is taken into local authority care and child abuse.

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of Legal Aid solicitors.

For expert legal advice on family and childcare law contact Duncan Lewis family solicitors on 020 7923 4020 – or for urgent advice on domestic violence or family and children’s law, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 0203 7275 2036.

Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can also advise those facing charges of domestic violence or child abuse – call our crime solicitors on 020 7923 4020; or 0203 7275 2036 for urgent legal advice on domestic violence or child abuse charges, including legal representation if you are being questioned under caution at a police station.