Sometimes a victim of abuse will drink alcohol or take mood-altering drugs to hide their pain. Some of this use is legal and some is not. Victims should know how this could affect them, for example,
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If you and the abuser have both been drinking it may be hard for the police to get an accurate statement about what appened.
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The abuser may use alcohol or other drugs as an excuse for violence.
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After being abused, you may be more likely to lash out at others, like your children, if you are drinking or using drugs.
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The use of any alcohol or other drugs can reduce your awareness and ability to act quickly to protect yourself from the abusive partner.
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A victim who is a parent could be at a disadvantage in legal actions with the abusive partner over custody and access if the children if she/he is known to use illegal/legal drugs.