A new global review led by La Trobe University has revealed the often-overlooked damage caused by men's alcohol consumption to women and children, urging immediate policy action in Australia and around the world to address these gender-related harms.
"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."
Global data further indicates major differences between countries in how much and how often men and women drink. In many regions, these disparities make the impact of men's alcohol use on women and children even more severe.
"Globally there has been poor recognition that others' drinking, and particularly men's drinking, contributes to many harms to women and children," Professor Laslett said.
"Social, cultural and economic policies, as well as alcohol-specific policies, need to change to ensure that they are responding to the harms to women and children highlighted in this review."
In Australia, the findings are particularly timely given growing national attention to domestic and family violence.
Alcohol's role in driving partner violence has been recognised in recent government reviews, with calls to strengthen regulation and prevention strategies.
Australia's Federal Government last year commissioned a rapid review that recommended addressing alcohol's regulatory environment.
The review emphasizes that while proven policies such as raising alcohol taxes, restricting availability, and limiting marketing remain essential, they should be paired with interventions that tackle harmful gender norms and empower women and children.
An intersectoral approach involving health, legal and social services is critical for meaningful change.
Professor Siri Hettige, a researcher from Sri Lanka's University of Columbo who collaborated on the project, said targeted, community-level interventions that addressed the realities faced by women and children were essential.
"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," Professor Hettige said.
