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Emotional Support

 

Last but not least, it is important to remind ourselves that addressing domestic violence and substance abuse issues is always difficult and challenging. Domestic violence programs can, according to Illinois Dept. of Human Services (2000), support victims struggling with issues of substance abuse in the following ways:

  • Assist staff in dealing with their own feelings and prejudices about substance abuse. Provide on-going training to enable staff to recognize the characteristics of substance abuse and to make appropriate referrals.
  • Minimize blame and moral reprobation for use or relapse which may further disempower the victim and empower the batterer.
  • Inform and advise the victim and treatment providers of the risks of conjoint couples counseling sessions.
  • While providing advocacy-based counseling, help women recognize the role substance abuse plays. It can keep them tied to an abusive relationship, increase their risk for harm and impair their safety planning ability.
  • Assist victims by helping them find an alternative means of empowerment as replacement for the sense of power induced by substances.
  • Include plans for continued sobriety as part of a safety plan. Help the victim understand the batterer may attempt to undermine her sobriety before the victim exits the shelter or completes advocacy services.
  • Encourage and facilitate linkage with substance abuse treatment resources and abstinence-based support groups.
  • Remain aware of which local substance abuse programs and support groups offer the highest degree of physical and psychological safety for victims of domestic violence.


Getting Safe and Sober: Real Tools You Can Use
©Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault 2005