It is a very risky situation indeed, especially when there are children involved. One would quickly assume the right thing to do is to call for the police, however unfortunately this ends up not being a solution but in fact increases the chances for more problems. When children are involved, the police will notify CPS and that opens the chances for both the abuser and the abused to lose their children (many times FOREVER).

The second problem when relying on police to "do their job" we aren't aware of who exactly these officers might be and whether or not they are sympathetic to the abused. With a little research it may call into question if police are in fact a resource or a liability for the future of a family.

Several studies have found that the romantic partners of police officers suffer domestic abuse at rates significantly higher than the general population. And while all partner abuse is unacceptable, it is especially problematic when domestic abusers are literally the people that battered and abused women are supposed to call for help.

If the abuser is taking this action due to drinking it is always best to first remove the children and yourself from the situation and wait until the abuser has sobered up to EVER address the issue of him/her being drunk. Most communities have an advertised "domestic violence program" with a contact number. This is something one should research so that the abused can be building a case and support PRIOR to interaction with police and/or CPS.