Domestic violence against women is a very widespread problem, thought to affect about a third of
women worldwide: hence, there may be a billion victims. The consequences of violence within the
home can be devastating—often leaving women permanently injured, and sometimes resulting in
her death. This paper reports recent evidence on the problem, confirming the link between alcohol
consumption and violence. Governments can do more to support women: a new tax on alcohol
could pay for services to protect violence.