Purpose: To estimate prevalence rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) among Brazilian couples and to assess the contribution of drinking and sociodemographic factors to the risk of IPV. Methods: A sample consisting of 1,445 married or cohabitating males and females in the Brazilian population was interviewed. The survey response rate was 66%. Results: The analyses indicate 10.7% and 14.6% prevalence, respectively for male-to-female and female-to-male IPV. Males were drinking in 38.1% of IPV events and females in 9.2%. The male's partner was drinking in 30.8% and the females' partner in 44.6% of IPV acts. Bivariate associations between violence and sociodemographics were found for age groups, household monthly income and educational level. Logistic regression analysis indicate that younger age for both male and female partners, men with no religious affiiliation and women who are homemakers are significant predictors of violence. Conclusion: This survey provides important information to further IPV research in Brazil. (Contains 4 tables.)