NCJ Number
199500
Date Published
2002
Length
170 pages
Annotation
This handbook in the Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, outlines an integrated system of care between service providers for substance abuse treatment and service providers for domestic violence-related assistance.
Abstract
The primary purpose of this document is to educate professionals within the substance abuse treatment field about domestic violence. It is also useful for domestic violence workers whose clients may need substance abuse assistance. The goal is to create a better understanding of the unique needs of this population of people so that a coordinated effort can be made on their behalf. The information in this handbook was compiled from experts working in the field and from relevant research literature. The authors explain that this document only deals with men who abuse their female partners, although there are many different types of family violence. After the guide explains the etiology of battering behavior and its effects on women, children, and the batterer himself, the authors offer recommendations for service providers. Some recommendations include scanning for signs of family violence by looking for physical injuries and interviewing the suspected abuse victim in private. Similar tips for screening for male batterers and for child abuse are also offered. Legal issues are discussed in chapter five, which covers restraining orders, duty to warn, the legal obligation to report threats and past crimes, confidentiality, and the Federal, State, and local regulations that concern domestic violence. Finally, recommendations are made for linking substance abuse programs and domestic violence programs. The importance of establishing a community-based system of coordinated care is discussed along with concrete recommendations for action.