OCTOBER 2017: Volume 80

DON’t LET PROBLEM GAMBLING COST YOU YOUR FAMILY!

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month. Although the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) focuses its attention on helping those who are affected by problem gambling, our organization has seen a link between the two. The rate of physical and mental abuse between spouses is as much as ten times higher when compulsive gambling is involved among couples (The Journal of Emergency Medicine).

Parents, along with current and ex-partners are most likely to be both offenders and victims of family violence. Additionally, findings suggest that perpetration of family violence was more likely to occur as a reaction to deeply-rooted and accumulated anger and mistrust whereas victimization was an outcome of gambler’s anger brought on by immediate gambling losses and frustration (Auckland University).

Alcohol consumption is often increased during gambling, which partnered with turmoil from the effects of problem gambling, also increases the risk of family violence. It is estimated that alcohol use nearly triples the risk for violence during an altercation. Data from our 888-ADMIT-IT helpline shows that 41% of the households have children under the age of 18. This increases the risk for neglect and household violence. In fact, 78% of FCCG HelpLine contacts in 2016/2017 reported Family Conflict and 74% stated Family Neglect.

We encourage anyone affected by problem gambling contact us for support and resources at 1-888-ADMIT-IT (236-4848).