Female alcoholics: IV. The relationship between family violence and outcome 3-10 years after treatment.

In a long-term follow-up study of 44 female alcoholics, the women's childhood history of family violence was found to be related to violence in partner relationship as an adult and to outcome of treatment. The number of violent relations experienced during childhood was significantly related to a repetitive pattern of violent partnerships after treatment, which added to a poor outcome. The small number of selected women studied limits the generalization of data. However, treatment intervention in violent partner relationships of female alcoholics probably would benefit long-term outcome.