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Numerous studies show that violence toward spouses and partners increases with the frequency and volume of drinking. However, a new study reveals where people drink may also play a significant role in domestic abuse.

Researchers found that male violence was associated with drinking away from home whereas female violence was associated with drinking at home.

Investigators from the Prevention Research Center in California and Arizona State University surveyed more than 1,500 couples living in California. Researchers asked the couples about their drinking in six specific places: restaurants, bars, parties at someone else's house, quiet evenings at home, with friends in one's own home, and in parks and other public places.

The findings revealed that men drinking in bars and at parties away from home and women drinking in parks and public places were both associated with increases male-to-female violence.

On the other hand, men's drinking during quiet evenings at home was associated with increased female-to-male violence.

Researchers said the findings suggest that drinking contexts also need to be considered when looking at partner aggression.

Researchers also said that the findings might even help prevent domestic violence by encouraging people in risky relationships to avoid drinking in certain contexts. Researchers said this advice would be more helpful in the short-term than encouraging people to drink less alcohol.

The findings are published in the journal Addiction.