Violent victimization among women with alcohol problems.

Empirical evidence regarding the role of childhood victimization in the development of women's alcohol problems is examined in this chapter. In particular, childhood sexual abuse and father-to-daughter violence are found to predict later alcohol problems. Key variables that link experiences of childhood victimization and the development of adult alcohol problems are identified. Strengths and weaknesses of the research provide a better assessment of our confidence in the empirical evidence to date. Possible explanations for how and why the experiences of violent victimization may lead to women's alcohol problems are presented. Finally, important directions for policymakers, clinicians, and researchers are discussed.