The Contribution of Alcohol to the Likelihood of Completion and Severity of Injury in Rape Incidents

Alcohol use has consistently been linked to violent crime including sexual assault. However, its effect on the likelihood of rape completion and victim injury has not been explored. This article examines the effect of the perpetrator's alcohol consumption on the probability that a rape will be completed and the likelihood and seriousness of physical injuries to victims of rape. Using data from the National Crime Victimization Survey of the Bureau of Justice Statistics for 1992 through 1994, the authors test three hypotheses regarding the effect of perpetrator drinking using multivariate models to control for situational factors and victim's demographic characteristics. The data suggest that drinking by the perpetrator decreases the likelihood that a rape will be completed, increases the likelihood of victim injury, and shows no relationship between perpetrator drinking and the victim's need for medical care.