Identified support needs for intimate partner violence engagement in an alcohol and other drug treatment sample

ABSTRACT

Background: A high proportion of individuals seeking treatment for alcohol and other drug (AOD) use report engaging in Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Interventions to reduce IPV, particularly in the context of AOD use, are generally low in effectiveness. Co-design and consumer input enhance ecological validity and attendance rates yet are not common practice. This study aims to gain an understanding of the relationship between AOD use and IPV for those seeking AOD treatment in the Australian treatment system, and to report their treatment needs and perceptions on program design and delivery.

Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with residents in AOD residential rehabilitation services in Victoria, Australia and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: Nine males identified two themes related to IPV; the anger, guilt and shame experienced, and the role of AOD use. Treatment needs were focussed on communication and emotion regulation skill building.

Conclusions: Participants identified their need for skills in managing relationship difficulties. A greater emphasis on these in treatment programs appears to be a useful step for both AOD treatment and IPV interventions.

KEYWORDS:

• Intimate partner violence
• consumer input
• co-design
• intervention development
• alcohol or other drugs

Disclosure statement

Peter Miller receives funding from Australian Research Council and Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, grants from NSW Government, National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund, Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, Cancer Council Victoria, Queensland government and Australian Drug Foundation, travel and related costs from Australasian Drug Strategy Conference. He has acted as a paid expert witness on behalf of a licensed venue and a security firm.

Notes

1. Time out is a key technique taught in programs for those who use IPV and involves the person who may use IPV removing themselves for a period of time from a potentially violent situation, thereby interrupting it and preventing further escalation.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the School of Psychology, Deakin University.