NCJ Number
189379
Date Published
2000
Length
170 pages
Annotation
This book provides useful information to treatment providers on the role of substance abuse in domestic violence, both in relation to the male abusers and the female victims.
Abstract
The first chapter establishes the connections between substance abuse and domestic violence. Although there is no direct cause-and-effect link, the use of alcohol and other drugs by either partner is a risk factor for domestic violence. The Consensus Panel recommends that substance abuse treatment programs screen all clients for current and past domestic violence; and when possible, domestic violence programs should screen clients for substance abuse. Chapters 2 and 3 provide an overview of survivor clients and batterer clients, each of whom present complex treatment challenges. Chapter 4 builds on this information and discusses screening and referral in more detail. Recommendations pertain to each type of client in the areas of screening, referral, and treatment. Chapter 5 discusses the Federal, State, and local regulations that bear upon domestic violence, particularly the 1994 Violence Against Women Act. Also addressed are issues such as restraining orders, duty to warn, the legal obligation to report threats and past crimes, and confidentiality. Chapter 6 recommends linkages between substance abuse treatment programs and domestic violence programs. A model for systemic reform is provided in addition to suggestions for implementing community-based systems of coordinated care. The book includes resources to help providers implement the recommendations. One appendix explores how the Federal confidentiality regulations affect treatment decisions for batterer and survivor clients, and another appendix contains a collection of instruments that screen for domestic violence and assess a batterer's dangerousness. Two other appendixes provide a sample safety plan that a provider can use with survivor clients and a list of national programs and hotlines on domestic violence.