This study aimed to investigate how problem gambling and family violence are related and factors that affect this relationship. Participants were 212 gamblers seeking treatment in Australia. Over half of the participants experienced some form of family violence, including intimate partner violence. Many of these participants were both a victim and perpetrator of violence. The most common types of violence were verbal in nature. But physical violence was also reported by some participants. Many participants believed their gambling problems came before the violent behaviour. A few victims of intimate partner violence said they gambled to escape the violence and stress at home. This study could be used to inform prevention and treatment programs for problem gambling and family violence.
