1. Learning from research Families, Domestic Violence and Substance Use

2. Background Up to 350,000 children affected by drug use, up to 1.3 million children affected by alcohol use (government estimates)  A minimum 1.5 million family members affected by someone else’s substance use (UKDPC, 2009) Up to 8 million family members affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use (Velleman & Templeton 2007 ) 44% perpetrators under the influence of alcohol, 12% drugs (BCS Review) Alcohol thought to be a factor in at least one third of all domestic violence assaults (Finney 2004)

3. Background Women experiencing DV are 15 times more likely to misuse alcohol, 9 times for drugs (Barron 2004) 1 in 4 children said that they had witnessed DV between adult family members. 47% of incidents involved physical assaults, 13% with an object or weapon (NSPCC survey 2007) Children witness ¾ of abusive incidents (Royal College Psych. 2004) Based on a large volume of research, child care law now includes witnessing or hearing the ill treatment of someone else as causing harm to children

4. Impact of living with domestic violence School or work: absence / lower achievement / difficulty concentrating. Behaviour: withdrawn or depressed / aggressive or angry. Physical health: missed appointments, failure to thrive or weight loss, stress- related illnesses, physical injury, self-harm, substance use, low birth weight. Cognitive development: speech and language delays, academic attainment. Mental and emotional health: PTSD, depression, anxiety, bed-wetting, nightmares, constant worry about possible danger / safety of family members, isolation or loneliness, low self-esteem. Finances: Financial abuse / theft, poverty through loss of income. Common feelings: Guilt, self-blame, fear, shame, stigma, worry, anger, betrayal, denial, torn loyalties or a confusing range of emotions.

5. An end to the abuse – with safety being a reality Personal resources and capacity for resilience Social competence Positive routines Protective and supportive network outside the family Open communication about the issues, and opportunities to rebuild family relationships Positive relationships with non-abusive family members Counselling / group work with peers who understand The perpetrator accepting responsibility DV - protective factors

6. Supporting families affected by substance use and domestic violence Dr. Sarah Galvani University of Bedfordshire Group 1 – Children and Young People Group 2 – Family member facilitators Stage One - Research

7. Common themes Children and young people’s focus groups Consent and Choice Impact of drugs or alcohol on relationships Substance user as perpetrator Age differences e.g. controlling behaviours types of “hurt” Things that make me feel better Substance use treatment and relationships

8. Family member facilitator interviews Child to parent abuse High tolerance levels of abuse Financial, emotional and psychological abuse Less physical violence / Less disclosed? Less partner abuse / Less disclosed? Referrals to DV agencies mainly for partners Varied use of screening or assessment – client-led services Varied responses to disclosure – from good to bad practice Need more info and training on DV, and also DV/SU Common themes

9. Safety Safe Working practices, especially if working with couples. Safety planning do’s and don’ts - and basic risk assessment Psychological safety – recognising trauma Knowledge of issues and key messages Domestic violence, behaviours and indicators Substance use and domestic violence – myths and facts Asking the right questions Not just at screening stage Practice asking in a natural and sensitive way Think Family – Children? Vulnerable adults? What to do with the answers Personal reaction and responding appropriately Agency response and referral to specialist agencies Key competencies for front-line practitioners

10.  DVD and facilitators pack made by and for children and young people will be ready in March 2011.  About substance use, domestic violence, relationships, and keeping safe.  Made by 5 groups affected by parental substance use and/or domestic violence, across the country, produced by “Real Time” media charity - www.real-time.org.uk Stage Two - Resources to come

11. Stella Project - Toolkit and training courses – www.avaproject.org.uk DOH toolkit – Improving safety, Reducing harm: Children, young people and domestic violence Women’s Aid – www.womensaid.org.uk Eddie Gallagher (Teen to Parent Abuse) - www.eddiegallagher.id.au Alcohol Concern’s Embrace Project publications - www.alcoholconcern.co.uk Adfam – “We count too” - “Including Diverse Families” “Setting up a family support group” STARS www.starsnationalinitiative.org.uk Resources for practitioners

12. Rory workbook GLDVP/AVA – “Spiralling” DVD, for young people. The Hideout – www.thehideout.org.uk STARS national initiative – web list of resources for practitioners to use with children and young people + new DVD resource launching soon Adfam – “Journeys” series, “Living with domestic abuse and substance use” Women’s Aid – free posters, leaflets & “the chatterbox” NSPCC “Feel Safe at Home” free booklet, “What if” game. “How to help your mates” – GLDVP/AVA leaflet FRANK – “Do your children know more about drugs than you?” Nottinghamshire DV Forum - www.respectnotfear.co.uk Resources for families

13. Natalie Pallier Project Co-ordinator DV, Substance Use and Families Project n.pallier@adfam.org.uk 020 7553 7646 Stay in touch!