Alcohol is frequently related to interpersonal aggression, but information regarding the role of alcohol consumption by victims of severe aggression is however lacking. In order to better understand the dynamic of victimization, we investigated contextual, facilitator, and psychological impact variables related to victimization in a French sample composed of 1,033 females aged 18-74 years. The participants were recruited using quota sampling methodology, and responses were measured using Computer-Assisted Self-Interviewer. A logistic regression was conducted using a backward elimination procedure to identify the significant predictors of blows and wounds suffered in the past 24 months. The results indicated that victims, relative to nonvictims, did binge drink significantly more often, had a higher aggression trait, and had experienced more social hardships in the past. The study's limitations are noted.

In 2000, heavy drinking was associated with increased risk of being tried and with drinking before the act. Heavy drinkers are more likely to have committed all forms of aggression, but only verbal aggression is significant. In 2000, judges gave heavy drinkers harsher sentences and a 2007 law sanctioned them even more severely. Our results suggest that treatment focused on problem drinking could be a helpful response-perhaps more so than harsher sentences-to intimate partner violence.

A research of the control of traffic offences highlights the practice of indulgence, or police dismissal of cases, a right which is legally granted only to the public prosecutor. European research on the uses of discretion vs the principle of legality shows that informal norms and occupational constraints play the main role, as compared to legal norms. The paper compares «indulgences» with other uses of discretion by police forces in the United Kingdom and in France. It appears once more that practices are very similar, despite legal differences. Buildings on this comparison, the author analyses the discretionary practices, their justifications and roles, either as a margin of manoeuvre for the police, or as a means of giving some flexibility to the law when it conflicts with working rules.