How Opioid Control Laws Help Reduce Domestic Violence: What New Research Reveals

An Unexpected Victory in the Fight Against Violence

In the fight against domestic violence, solutions often come from places we might not expect. A groundbreaking study from the University of South Florida has uncovered a surprising connection: opioid control laws are linked to a 10% decrease in domestic violence cases.

At D.O.V.E.S. Network®, we believe in a holistic, community-based approach to prevention — and this research strengthens the case for tackling root causes of violence beyond just relationship dynamics.

Connecting the Dots - Opioid Misuse and Domestic Violence

It’s no secret that substance abuse and domestic violence often go hand-in-hand. But until now, evidence was largely correlational, meaning that while opioid misuse and domestic violence appeared together, the relationship wasn’t proven to be causal.

The University of South Florida study changes that.

Through sophisticated analysis, researchers Minglu Sun and Dr. Andrei Barbos established clear causation:

When opioid misuse is controlled through state-mandated prescription monitoring programs, rates of domestic violence decrease.

This finding highlights how tackling substance abuse can have positive ripple effects far beyond addiction treatment, including safer homes and healthier families.

New Findings from the University of South Florida

Published in Health Economics (2025), the study examined data from 31 states between 2007 and 2019. Key highlights include:

• Mandatory Access Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) — laws requiring doctors to check a central database before prescribing opioids — were linked to a 10% drop in simple assault incidents, the most common type of domestic violence.

• The most significant impact was seen in states with the highest opioid prescription rates, particularly in the southern U.S.

• Researchers carefully controlled for other factors, such as demographics, unemployment, income, health status, and overlapping legislation (e.g., marijuana legalization), ensuring a reliable and isolated view of the effect.

This isn’t just interesting data — it’s a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and advocates alike.

Why This Research Matters for Public Safety

Domestic violence does not exist in a vacuum. It is fueled and complicated by a host of other challenges: poverty, mental health struggles, trauma, and — critically — substance abuse.

By curbing opioid misuse, states aren’t just addressing the addiction crisis. They’re also creating safer environments for families, reducing the prevalence of violence in the home, and breaking generational cycles of trauma.

This research offers hope that public health interventions, when thoughtfully designed, can have multiple life-saving impacts.

The Link Between Substance Abuse and Family Harm

Substance abuse can:

• Lower inhibitions and heightened aggression

• Increase financial and emotional strain within families

• Impair judgment and empathy

• Traps victims in unsafe environments due to financial dependency or fear

At D.O.V.E.S. Network®, we regularly see the devastating intersection of addiction and abuse in the lives of teens affected by domestic violence. This is why a comprehensive approach to prevention must include addressing substance misuse, mental health support, and family system healing, not just the symptoms of violence.

How D.O.V.E.S. Network® Addresses Root Causes

D.O.V.E.S. Network® programs are designed to address these intertwined issues head-on:

• Prevention Workshops - Teaching teens about healthy coping skills, resilience, and the dangers of substance abuse.

• Peer Support Groups - Providing safe spaces where young survivors can process trauma and build healthy futures.

• Family Empowerment Training - Helping caregivers understand the impact of addiction and violence, and how to interrupt the cycle.

• Community Advocacy - Raising awareness of how public policy and community resources must align to promote long-term safety and healing.

We don’t just respond to violence — we work to stop it before it starts.

Turning Research into Action - What We Can Do

Here’s how you can help translate this research into real-world change:

• Advocate for Stronger Opioid Control Measures — Support initiatives that monitor and limit the overprescription of opioids.

• Educate Your Community — Share research that shows the links between substance abuse and domestic violence.

• Support Comprehensive Prevention Programs — Invest time, resources, and attention in organizations like D.O.V.E.S. Network® that address both violence and its root causes.

• Destigmatize Seeking Help — Encourage families affected by addiction and violence to seek support without fear or shame.

Final Thoughts - Prevention Requires Innovation

This new study serves as a powerful reminder that innovation in prevention can save lives. It shows us that targeted public health interventions — even those that don’t seem directly related to domestic violence — can make our homes and communities safer.

At D.O.V.E.S. Network®, we are committed to staying at the forefront of research-driven, holistic violence prevention strategies. Together, with open minds and open hearts, we can build a safer, healthier future for the next generation.

Call to Action: Partner with D.O.V.E.S. Network®

• You have a role to play. Whether you’re a policymaker, educator, healthcare provider, or community member, your voice and actions matter.

• Support prevention efforts.

• Educate others about the links between substance abuse and violence.

  
  

  Because breaking the cycle of violence requires every one of us.