Hidden Harms: Global Analysis Reveals Devastating Effects of Men's Alcohol Use on Women and Children

Strategic Insights -

Men's alcohol use causes widespread harm to women and children globally, with up to one in three women in some countries reporting living with a heavy-drinking partner. Children exposed to harmful alcohol use face increased risks of violence, neglect, poor health, and reduced life opportunities. The review, led by Professor Anne-Marie Laslett from La Trobe University's Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, highlights the need for urgent gender-responsive and alcohol policy action worldwide and in Australia.

Key Takeaways:

  • The analysis of 78 papers found that men drink more heavily than women and are more likely to engage in behaviours that harm others when they drink.
  • Women and children are disproportionately impacted by men's alcohol use, experiencing physical injury, mental health challenges, financial hardship, and disruption to education and family stability.
  • The harms caused by men's alcohol use are most severe in low- and middle-income countries and in societies with high levels of gender inequality.
  • International data reveals wide gender disparities between countries, with prevalence and patterns of alcohol use differing sharply.
  • In Australia, the findings are particularly timely given growing national attention to domestic and family violence, with calls to strengthen regulation and prevention strategies.
  • Targeted, community-level interventions that address the realities faced by women and children are essential for reducing harms caused by men's drinking.

Statistics:

  • Up to one in three women in some countries report living with a heavy-drinking partner (1).
  • Children exposed to men's harmful alcohol use face increased risk of violence, neglect, poor health, and reduced life opportunities (2).
  • Men's alcohol use is a major contributor to domestic and family violence in Australia, with 39% of women experiencing physical or sexual violence in a relationship where alcohol was a factor (3).
  • In Australia, the review emphasizes that proven policies such as raising alcohol taxes, restricting availability, and limiting marketing should be paired with interventions that tackle harmful gender norms and empower women and children (4).

Sources:

(1) RTI International, "Harms to Women and Children from Men's Alcohol Use: An Evidence Review and Directions For Policy" (2025) DOI: 10.3768/rtipress.2025.op.0098.2509

(2) La Trobe University Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, "Harms to Women and Children from Men's Alcohol Use"

(3) Australian Government, "Combatting Domestic and Family Violence" (2024)

(4) RTI International, "Harms to Women and Children from Men's Alcohol Use: An Evidence Review and Directions For Policy" (2025)