Good practice examples

Development of good practice in relation to alcohol-related domestic violence is in its infancy. A number of forward thinking agencies are attempting to write policies and improve practice using a variety of the approaches detailed above.

Dedicated projects - The Stella Project, London
The Stella Project was set up in 2002. It is a partnership between the Greater London Domestic Violence Project and the Greater London Alcohol and Drug Alliance. It aims to raise awareness of alcohol-related domestic violence by bringing together alcohol, drug and domestic violence agencies to work towards inclusive service provision. This in turn, will help the people sufferring or perpetrating domestic violence from falling through the gap in services. This year the project produced a toolkit entitled 'Domestic violence, drugs and alcohol: good practice guidelines' (Stella Project 2004). It is the first UK toolkit of its kind. It offers a starting point for alcohol, drug and domestic violence agencies in terms of summarising the links between substance use and domestic violence. It also provides an overview of the key issues, relevant legislation, policy and practice guidance and sample policies. For further details contact Michelle Newcomb 0207 785 3862 or Karen.Bailey@gldvp.org.uk

Local authority initiatives - Nottinghamshire

• Policy at a strategic level - Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottinghamshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team

In conjunction with a range of local serviced providers, developed good practice guidelines for all drug and alcohol services working with survivors or perpetrators of domestic violence. They also offer guidance on recording, child protection issues, training and multi-agency working. The policy document also cross references other policies that are relevant to the issue of domestic violence as well as providing contact lists and legal guidance in the appendices. Further details from Linny Beaumont on 0115 977 2040 or email Linny.beaumont@nottscc.gov.uk

Introduction | Impact of domestic violence on women | Impact of domestic violence on children
Implications for social work practice and assessment | Websites