Alcohol Concern: Alcohol, Health

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Alcohol ConcernAlcohol, Health Social
Exclusion Conference4th November 2009Alcohol
and domestic violence
Nicola Harwin CBE, Chief Executive Womens Aid
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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)

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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)
• Some men may deliberately target women with
  alcohol issues as they may be perceived as
  particularly vulnerable and therefore easier to
  exert power over.

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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
• Perpetrators use of violence will not
  necessarily decrease as a result of treatment for
  his alcohol use, and may increase.

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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.

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Recommendations continued

• Confidentiality and safety are crucial
• Alcohol services should develop specific 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.

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Contact information

• Email n.harwin_at_womensaid.org.uk
• Womens Aid national office
• Telephone [phone]
• Email info_at_womensaid.org.uk
• Websites
• www.womensaid.org.uk
• www.thehideout.org.uk
• National Domestic Violence Helpline
• 0808 2000 24-7