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Alcohol Concern: Alcohol, Health & Social Exclusion Conference 4 th November 2009 Alcohol and domestic violence

Alcohol Concern: Alcohol, Health & Social Exclusion Conference 4 th November 2009 Alcohol and domestic violence. N icola Harwin CBE, Chief Executive Women’s Aid. Alcohol and domestic violence: Use by perpetrator.

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Alcohol Concern: Alcohol, Health & Social Exclusion Conference 4 th November 2009 Alcohol and domestic violence

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  1. Alcohol Concern:Alcohol, Health & Social Exclusion Conference4th November 2009Alcohol and domestic violence Nicola Harwin CBE, Chief Executive Women’s Aid

  2. Alcohol and domestic violence: Use by perpetrator • Between one-third and one half of perpetrators of domestic violence have used alcohol prior to the offence;(Budd, 2003; Finney, 2004) • Use of alcohol by either or both parties may result in exacerbation and severity of violence;(Galvani, 2001) • However, some perpetrators are abusive whether or not they have been drinking, and others abuse only when sober. (Galvani, 2001)

  3. Alcohol and domestic violence: Use by victim • Many women use substances as a response to, and a way of dealing with, abuse; (Raine, 2001; Stark & Flitcraft, 1996; Jacobs, 1998; Ettore, 1997) • Women experiencing domestic violence are up to 15 times more likely to misuse alcohol than women generally; (Stark & Flitcraft, 1996) • Some women are introduced to substances by their abusive partners as a way of increasing control over them;(Swan et al., 2000; Stella Project, 2004) • Somemen may deliberately target women with alcohol issues as they may be perceived as particularly vulnerable and therefore easier to exert power over.

  4. Implications for alcohol treatment services • No-one should ever be blamed for the abuse they experience; • Responsibility for the abuse always lies with the perpetrators; • Always believe a woman who discloses abuse; • Ending the relationship will not necessarily stop the abuse; • Perpetrator’s use of violence will not necessarily decrease as a result of treatment for his alcohol use, and may increase.

  5. Recommendations for alcohol treatment services • Training should be given on domestic violence awareness issues for all working in alcohol treatment services; • Respond simultaneously to the issues of domestic violence and alcohol (Do not insist on “sobriety” first); • Give support and information to partners of abusers.

  6. Recommendations… continued • Confidentiality and safety are crucial; • Alcohol services should developspecific domestic violence policies; • Alcohol services should develop specific domestic violence policies, protocols and guidelines for responding to clients who have experienced domestic violence; • They should designate a member of staff with responsibility for domestic violence issues.

  7. Contact information: • Email: n.harwin@womensaid.org.uk • Women’s Aid national office: Telephone: 0117 944 4411 Email: info@womensaid.org.uk • Websites: www.womensaid.org.uk www.thehideout.org.uk • National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 24-7

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