TLC Foundation

Over the last twenty years, extensive research in the areas of intimate partner violence (IPV), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and alcohol dependency has been conducted and recent research is exploring the relationship between PTSD and substance abuse.However, little research has examined the interrelationships among IPV and PTSD and alcohol dependence.In this chapter, I present an integrated review of literature, which lays the foundation for this book.Specifically, I summarize and critique the state of knowledge related to IPV, PTSD and alcohol dependence and the relationships between these phenomena by: a) defining each of these three constructs and reviewing theoretical and empirical literature that addresses the significance, prevalence, and current understanding of each, and, b) critically reviewing research in which the relationships between two or more of these constructs have been examined.This chapter concludes with a summary of current knowledge and identification of gaps that should be addressed in future research.