Alcohol-Related Intimate Partner Harm in Australia: Demographic Patterns and Changes Between 2008 and 2021

Purpose Although the association between heavy drinking and intimate partner violence is well-documented, the characteristics of those affected and those responsible for harm, the diverse harms experienced, and changes over time remain underexplored. This paper addresses these gaps in an Australian context. Methods We analyzed data from the 2008 ( n = 2,649) and 2021 ( n = 2,574) Australian Alcohol’s Harm to Others (AHTO) surveys, estimating the gender-stratified prevalence of alcohol-related intimate partner harm. A sub-sample of 373 participants who reported harm from a heavy-drinking intimate partner was examined. Results In 2021, 8.0% of women and 3.8% of men (5.9% overall) reported past-year harm from a heavy-drinking partner, significantly lower than in 2008 (10.6% women, 5.3% men, 8.0% overall). Harms included physical harm, harassment, social problems and unmet obligations due to a partner’s drinking. In the combined survey sample, women (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.6, 3.1), younger individuals, and those who reported frequent own heavy episodic drinking had significantly higher odds of being negatively affected. Conclusions Heavy drinking continues to impact intimate partners. These findings highlight the need for gender-informed interventions that reduce men’s heavy drinking and better support women affected by alcohol-related intimate partner harm.