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Introduction
- Alcohol
and drugs do not cause domestic violence.
They do not delete our understanding of right and wrong. However,
where violence exists, alcohol, and to a lesser extent drugs,
are often present.
- There are
two key roles that alcohol plays in domestic violence:
- one is
in the perpetration of such violence
- one is
the victim’s use of alcohol.
- Research
shows that almost half of domestic violence victims suffer violence
from a partner who has been drinking and about one fifth report
violence from someone under the influence of drugs (Flood-Page
and Taylor 2003). Other research that focuses on perpetrator characteristics
found much higher figures (Gilchrist et al. 2003). Sometimes
perpetrators blame their substance use for their violent and abusive
behaviour. It is important to challenge, not collude with this
view.
- Victims
of domestic violence often use substances to cope with adult or
child abuse. Victims with problem alcohol or drug use are likely
to increase their use as a means of coping with their violent
or abusive experiences. This is particularly important to remember
when working with someone who may need, or already be receiving,
help for substance problems.
- Substance
use by domestic violence victims has also been linked with increased
victimisation as their substance use will make them more vulnerable
to, and less able to minimise or avoid, their perpetrators abusive
actions.
NB.
Many women do not approach alcohol, drug or domestic violence services
for fear of their children being removed by social services.
Impact of domestic violence on women | Impact of domestic violence on children
Additional risk factors | Implications for social work practice and assessment
Good practice examples | Websites
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