Hidden GBV: Women and substance use

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Criminology

Background:

• Gender-based violence (GBV) disproportionately affects women with substance use disorders.
• This population faces significant barriers in accessing essential harm reduction services.
• Intimate partner violence (IPV) within substance-affected relationships is often hidden and underestimated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the intersection of substance misuse and gender-based violence in a vulnerable population.
• To underscore the critical role of Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) in identifying GBV.
• To advocate for improved, integrated support services for women experiencing GBV and substance misuse.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 77 cases discussed at MARAC meetings in Dundee between May and October 2021.
• Identification of substance misuse as a primary risk factor in the majority of cases.
• Examination of specific risk factors such as strangulation, choking, suffocation, and weapon use.

Main Results:

• Substance misuse was a risk factor in 62 out of 77 (80.5%) MARAC cases.
• Strangulation/choking/suffocation (44 cases) and weapon use (43 cases) were prevalent risk factors.
• Children were involved in 56 of the discussed cases, indicating a significant impact on families.

Conclusions:

• GBV is frequently concealed within relationships affected by substance use, often only revealed at crisis points like MARAC meetings.
• Existing services often struggle to provide comprehensive support independently.
• Innovative, collaborative approaches like the Hub model and Gendered Services Project are crucial for effective service delivery.