Abstract
A review of the literature provides evidence demonstrating some association between alcohol dependence and assault among women. The assault can be associated with new onset of alcohol dependence or heavy use. Most research deals with child sexual abuse as the assault. Current research is showing that from 55–99% of women in treatment for alcohol dependency have reported a history of childhood abuse occurring before the age of 18. Therefore, there is a risk for females who have been abused as children for developing alcohol-related problems.