Domestic violence links explored

The charity says substance abuse is no excuse for violence, but there are links

The links between domestic violence and substance abuse must be better understood across society, according to a group of experts in Tayside.

More than 170 professionals, victims of abuse and members of the public have been hearing about the findings from a two-year initiative in the region.

The Domestic Abuse and Substance Misuse project aims to see improved support for women who suffer both problems.

Staff also want victims to know that help is available for them.

They believe their research and the resources they have developed could be used across the UK to tackle domestic violence and drug and alcohol abuse.

'Emotional pain'

Lead worker Kathryn Sharp said: "We are not suggesting that every woman who experiences domestic abuse also has an issue with substance misuse, but there are links.

"A lot of the women who're experiencing domestic abuse are also using substances and for lots of different reasons - to help them cope with the emotional pain and the physical pain, to block out what's going on.

"From the perpetrators side there are lots of links about the perpetrator using the woman's substance misuse as an excuse for his abusive behaviour. Lots of perpetrators use alcohol themselves and use that as an excuse.

"But what we are very clear about is that alcohol and drugs are not a cause of domestic abuse and they're certainly no excuse for the behaviour."