1. SUBSTANCE MISUSE AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICE

2. Statistics A UK study showed that 51% of respondents from domestic violence agencies claimed that either themselves or their partners had used drugs, alcohol and/or prescribed medication in problematic ways in the last five years. [Humphreys, C, Thiara, R.K. & Regan (2005) Domestic Violence ad Substance Misuse, Overlapping Issues in Separate Services, Greater London Authority and the Home Office] Almost two thirds of survivors drawn from domestic violence agencies in the same study showed that they began their problematic substance use following their experiences of domestic violence. [Humphreys, C. & Regan, L., 2005. Domestic Violence and Substance Use: Overlapping Issues in Separate Services, Final Report]

3. Role Increase access into refuges, gender based hostels and supported housing options for women and children. Increase access to drug and alcohol support for women. Provide specialist therapeutic support for children whose lives have been affected by domestic violence and parental substance misuse.

4. Specialist Children’s Service – Case Study In this picture, the poisonous mother scorpion fights against the strong male enemy, indicating how a three year old child re-enacted the arguments that were happening at home.

5. Case Study This picture is by a 12 year old girl expressing her feelings towards a man who had alcohol issues. The picture shows the lizard about to eat the perpetrator’s head indicating her strong feeling of destroying him. He has hurt her family and her mum and should be punished, or else he will hurt others.

6. Good Practice Awareness of the issues Ask the right questions Know what to do with the answers Familiarise yourselves with local agencies Swap training Establish referral pathways Take an interest Basic safety planning/harm min knowledge

7. Key Contacts Solace Women’s Aid AVA/Stella project Nia Project specialist service Eaves drugs and alcohol service Camden Safety net ADFAM CASA

8. Contact Details Sim Mandair – Senior Substance Misuse Worker s.mandair@solacewomensaid.org 07535 350895 Hasret Tekin – Senior Specialist Children's substance misuse worker h.tekin@solacewomensaid.org 07506 993472