Final answer:
Criminologists and epidemiologists have found that alcohol consumption increases the risk of violent behavior, which is observed through various studies and empirical evidence. The relationship between alcohol and violence suggests that while alcohol may not cause violence in every situation, it is a significant risk factor for violent behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alcohol and Violence: The Connection Explained
When criminologists and epidemiologists discuss the relationship between alcohol and violence, they are examining the ways in which the consumption of alcohol may influence incidents of violent behavior. Studies and observations in various social settings, including the workplace and communities, indicate that there is a correlation between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of violent behavior. For example, Greenberg & Barling (1999) identified a relationship between the amount of alcohol consumed and aggression, finding it to be a predictor of workplace violence. Similarly, efforts to address social problems like poverty and domestic violence have historically linked these issues to excessive alcohol consumption, suggesting that such consumption was a contributing factor to these societal problems.
Furthermore, global crime statistics and patterns also show an association between alcohol consumption and violent acts. While alcohol and violence are related, it's important to recognize that this relationship does not signify a causal effect in every instance. There can be many confounding variables, such as mental health issues, unemployment levels, and family life, that could also contribute to the likelihood of violence in the presence of alcohol.
Thus, to directly answer the question posed, criminologists and epidemiologists mean that: b) Alcohol consumption increases the risk of violent behavior. This answer comprehensively addresses the observed pattern between alcohol use and instances of violence across a range of studies and societal contexts.