This study aimed to investigate the association between parental alcohol intoxication and sexually offensive or violent experiences in adolescence. A total of 8680 adolescents (13–16 years) participated in this cross‐sectional study. Analyses were based on adolescent self‐report on background, parental intoxication, and various sexually offensive and violent experiences. Multivariable logistic regression models were adjusted for gender, age and socioeconomic status. Seeing parents intoxicated a few times (lifetime) increased the odds of one or more violent experiences (odds ratio (OR) 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8–2.3) and one or more sexually offensive experiences (OR 2.3; CI 2.0–2.5). Seeing parents intoxicated a few times a year was strongly associated with one or more violent experiences (OR 2.7; CI 2.3–3.3) and one or more sexually offensive experiences (OR 2.8; CI 2.4–3.3). Finally, seeing parents intoxicated on some occasions weekly/monthly increased the odds for one or more violent experiences (OR 3.8; CI 2.9–4.8) and one or more sexually offensive experiences (OR 3.7; CI 2.9–4.7). The odds of adverse experience increased with the frequency of exposure to parental intoxication. However, even infrequent exposure to parental intoxication was clearly associated with these adverse childhood experiences. The findings identify a group that is potentially vulnerable to alcohol‐related harm. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘This study aimed to investigate the association between parental alcohol intoxication and sexually offensive or violent experiences in adolescence’
Key Practitioner Messages
Sexually offensive or violent experiences among adolescents are consistently and strongly associated with parental intoxication.
Even a low frequency of exposure to parental intoxication is clearly associated with adverse childhood experiences.
The more frequently that adolescents are exposed to parental intoxication, the higher the odds of adverse experiences.
Findings identify a group that is potentially vulnerable to alcohol‐related harm and a possible target for preventive measures.