Promoting successful collaborations between domestic violence and substance abuse treatment service sectors: a review of the literature

Trauma Violence Abuse. 2012 Oct;13(4):234-51. doi: 10.1177/1524838012455874. Epub 2012 Aug 16.

Abstract

Women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization are more likely to struggle with substance abuse problems than are women who do not experience IPV. Given the connection between IPV victimization and substance abuse, recommended practices urge collaboration between domestic violence service agencies and substance abuse treatment agencies to provide comprehensive services for women with these co-occurring problems. However, domestic violence and substance abuse services have unique histories of development that have led to distinct ways of service delivery. To promote successful collaborations, service providers and researchers are developing strategies to foster relationships across the two service sectors. The authors conducted a review of this emerging body of knowledge with the aim of assembling recommendations for strategies to foster collaboration between domestic violence and substance abuse services. The authors identified 15 documents for review inclusion and our analysis established 5 categories of documents. Findings yield key collaboration strategies and recommended service models. In addition, the review determined the existence of considerable challenges to promoting collaborative relationships between domestic violence and substance abuse treatment service sectors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Battered Women / statistics & numerical data*
  • Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / organization & administration*
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Spouse Abuse / statistics & numerical data
  • Spouse Abuse / therapy*
  • Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / organization & administration
  • Substance-Related Disorders / therapy*
  • Women's Health