A new study led by La Trobe University reveals the widespread damage caused by men's heavy drinking to women and children around the world. The research, drawing from 78 academic papers, highlights risks like violence and economic strain, especially in areas with high gender inequality. Experts urge gender-responsive alcohol policies to protect vulnerable families.
The global review, titled 'Harms to Women and Children from Men's Alcohol Use: An Evidence Review and Directions for Policy,' was led by Professor Anne-Marie Laslett of La Trobe University’s Centre for Alcohol Policy Research and published by RTI International in September 2025. It synthesizes data from three systematic reviews covering 78 academic papers, showing that men typically drink more heavily than women and are more likely to cause harm to others when intoxicated.
Worldwide, up to one in three women in some countries live with a partner who drinks heavily, exposing children in these households to greater risks of violence, neglect, poor health, and limited life opportunities. These effects are particularly acute in low- and middle-income countries and regions with pronounced gender inequality, leading to physical injuries, emotional distress, financial instability, and disruptions to education and family life for women and children.
"Research shows that the consequences of men's alcohol use extend far beyond the individual that drinks," Professor Laslett said. "Women and children pay a heavy price, yet policies rarely take their experiences into account. This is a major gap in international public health and social policy."
The study notes global variations in drinking patterns between men and women, amplifying the disproportionate impact on families. "Globally there has been poor recognition that others' drinking, and particularly men's drinking, contributes to many harms to women and children," Laslett added. It calls for reforms in social, cultural, economic, and alcohol-specific policies, including raising taxes, restricting availability, and limiting marketing, alongside efforts to challenge harmful gender norms and empower women and children.
In Australia, the findings align with recent focus on domestic violence, where alcohol's role has been acknowledged in government reviews. Last year, the Federal Government commissioned a rapid review recommending stronger alcohol regulations. An intersectoral approach across health, legal, and social services is deemed essential.
Professor Siri Hettige from Sri Lanka's University of Colombo emphasized community-level interventions: "Given the nature of the social context in which the harm to women and children from men's drinking occurs, interventions to reduce such harms might have to go beyond current alcohol policies."