Study finds more alcohol sellers mean higher child abuse rates

Study finds more alcohol sellers mean higher child abuse rates


Having alcohol easily available may be handy for young adults, but it certainly can mean a lot of heartache for youngsters.

A new research study led by researchers at Ohio State University examined the links between the number of stores selling alcohol in a neighborhood and the numbers of substantiated cases of child abuse in the same area.

The researchers found that having just one more off-premises alcohol outlet — a place where alcohol is sold to be consumed somewhere else — in one census tract was related to 13.5% more cases of child abuse and neglect in that area over a year, as well as 10.5% more entries into foster care.

The study, which was funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, focused on Sacramento County parents from 18 to 29 years old. Younger parents are more likely to be involved with child protection agencies over abuse or neglect claims.

The researchers used surveys that asked Sacramento residents about their alcohol use as well as state alcohol-license data.

The study found that even a 1% higher per capita volume of alcohol consumed in a neighborhood was tied to a 3.2% increase in children in foster care due to alcohol-related issues.

According to the studies, stores that sell alcohol are often opened in neighborhoods full of younger adults, who are likely to drink more. That cycle, in which the young adult population has easier access to alcohol and thus drinks more, culminates in more child abuse.

Breaking that cycle, the researchers noted, may mean allowing fewer neighborhood alcohol outlets.

After all, children’s well-being is at stake.

Related Episodes