Substance use is cited as a major contributing factor to intimate partner violence in South Africa. The aim of the study was to
assess the association between the frequency and severity of several types of intimate partner violence against women, who
have been granted a protection order, and the use of alcohol and illicit drug use by perpetrators. Using systematic sampling,
268 women (18 years and older), who had consecutively received a protection order in the Vhembe district in South Africa,
were assessed by a research assistant. The results indicate that these women reported perpetrators 34% of whom did not
have a drinking problem and no drug use in the past three months, 31.3% with problem drinking only, 4.1% drug use only,
and 30.6% with problem drinking and drug use in the past three months. Multivariate logistic regression found that having a
partner with problem drinking only (OR = 4.14, CI = 2.02–8.51) and having a partner with problem drinking and drug use
(OR = 2.77, CI = 1.36–5.65) were associated with greater physical intimate partner violence. Having a partner with problem
drinking and drug use (OR = 2.80, CI = 1.35–5.79) was associated with an increased psychological intimate partner abuse.
Problem drinking and drug use among male partners is a strong determinant of physical intimate partner violence among
battered women in South Africa. Intimate partner violence prevention measures should address reduction of problem drinking
and drug use among men