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Overview
There are many forms of domestic violence. The most common are physical violence, psychological and emotional abuse, and sexual abuse. Harassment, stalking, neglect, and financial abuse are also forms of domestic harm. Domestic and inter-partner violence is a comorbidity associated with gambling and harmful gambling.
Key Points
Harmful gambling involves the family in many ways. Families of problem gamblers are more likely to experience forms of domestic violence, and studies report high correlations between domestic abuse and the harms associated with gambling. Problem gamblers can be both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. Gamblers may take their anger over gambling losses out on their partner. Irritation when they cannot gamble may also result in the loss of control over emotions. Conflicts regarding financial problems may also arise and can result in physical altercations. As the stress of gambling related harms builds, the partner and the problem gambler are more likely to lash out, often resulting in inter-partner violence. Children are also affected by harmful gambling. They may be witness to the violence between parents; a child may also be an easy target for a parent's stress and may suffer the physical and psychological consequences.
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References
Suissa, A. J. (2005). Gambling, violence and family dynamics: Some intervention markers.
Korman, L. M., Collins, J., Dutton, D., Dhayananthan, B., Littman-Sharp, N., & Skinner, W. (2008). Problem gambling and intimate partner violence. Journal of Gambling Studies, 24(1), 13-23.
Afifi, T. O., Brownridge, D. A., MacMillan, H., & Sareen, J. (2010). The relationship of gambling to intimate partner violence and child maltreatment in a nationally representative sample. Journal of psychiatric research, 44(5), 331-337.
Suomi, A., Jackson, A. C., Dowling, N. A., Lavis, T., Patford, J., Thomas, S. A., ... & Cockman, S. (2013). Problem gambling and family violence: family member reports of prevalence, family impacts and family coping. Asian Journal of Gambling Issues and Public Health, 3(1), 1.