1. Specialist service provision- Substance Use and Violence Against Women The nia project, Jodie Woodward

2. The nia project Formerly known as Hackney Women’s Aid; a charitable organisation. Part of Women’s Aid Federation. Provides a range of support services for women & children experiencing physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Feminist organisation

3. Why was the service needed? Women experiencing domestic violence are 15 times more likely to use alcohol ( Women’s Aid 2004) Women experiencing domestic violence are 9 times more likely to use drugs. (Women’s Aid 2004) Women who are using substances problematically face even greater barriers to accessing services Traditionally refuges will not accept a woman who is using drugs or alcohol.

4. How are substance used in abusive relationships? Perpetrator the supplier of substances therefore form of control Perpetrator using partners money to buy substances, or forcing them into criminal activity to fund substance use. Forcing a partner to use drugs or alcohol Using substances as a way to justify the violence ( i.e. “I was so drunk I would never hurt you sober”)

5. What is it that we do? Six bed refuge,24 hour 7 days a week Open to full capacity from October 2008 London councils and supporting people funded 3 full time members of staff 1 part time family support worker 1 part time outreach worker

6. What we do…. Non-judgemental perspective. Harm-minimisation, we do not expect clients to commit to being abstinent. We do expect a commitment to engage in the service All staff have experience and training in both violence against women and substance use

7. What we do continued…. Weekly key work sessions Weekly group work sessions Safety Planning Work closely with local drug and alcohol agencies Work holistically; support with substance use, issues relating to violence experienced, health and housing.

8. Referrals Women only Fleeing any form of violence against women, we include prostitution in this. Must have a current substance use support need. Any borough outside of Haringey (including outside of London) Advertised on refuges online

9. Move on Approximately 9 month move on policy Make homelessness applications in chosen borough Becoming increasingly difficult Would like to see second stage accommodation Offer up to six months resettlement support

10. Challenges Appropriate move on accommodation Prejudicial attitudes When receiving referrals women often feel unable to disclose drug use for fear of being rejected by the service Being recognised as a legitimate substance use service Advertising referrals as services still so separate

11. Outreach Part time outreach worker who can provide ( to specific boroughs) Consultancy Awareness raising sessions Networking sessions Training Group Work

12. Outreach Boroughs Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Camden, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Hammersmith & Fulham, Haringey, Kensington & Chelsea, Waltham Forest, Westminster

13. Contact us… Jodie Woodward for anything related to the refuge provision JWoodward@niaproject.plus.com JWoodward@niaproject.plus.com 0795856244 Annie Howell for Outreach service ahowell@niaproject.plus.com ahowell@niaproject.plus.com 0207 6831270 ext 227