To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his Department has made an assessment of a link between alcohol misuse and the incidence of domestic violence. (304207)

The British Crime Survey 2007-08 reports that 37 per cent. of domestic violence incidents involve offenders who are perceived to be under the influence of alcohol.

There are a number of Alcohol Arrest Referral schemes in operation which aim to reduce re-offending among people arrested for alcohol-related offences. People who are arrested on suspicion of alcohol-related domestic violence in AAR pilot areas may be referred to a domestic violence specialist adviser and encouraged to address their behaviour and the consequences of their unsafe drinking.

We will continue to work with our stakeholders to better understand the role that both alcohol and drugs play in contributing to incidents of domestic violence.