Pubdate: Wed, 22 Nov 2006 Source: Cochrane Eagle (CN AB) Copyright: 2006 Cochrane Eagle Contact: http://www.cochraneeagle.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3992 Author: Bob Bolduc Note: Bob Bolduc is an addictions counsellor with AADAC at the Cochrane office. PREVENTION IS KEY TO STEMMING VIOLENCE, SUBSTANCE ABUSE November is Family Violence Prevention Awareness Month. Family violence and abuse exists in our community, however each of us can make a difference. When a concerned person becomes informed and talks to other people, positive things happen. Cochrane and area service providers will collaborate to provide education and awareness articles and programs throughout November. The following is the fourth installment. "Mommy, why does daddy get so mad at me when he drinks?" It's a shame to hear those words. We hear so much about domestic violence and substance abuse issues these days. Family violence issues accounts for 60 per cent of all murders of women in Canada. More than 50 per cent of batterers suffer from alcohol abuse. These are not statistics to be very proud of. Substance abuse does not cause violence, but research shows a high correlation between substance abuse and incidents of violence. In a study of 53 male alcoholics it was found that 75 per cent reported a history of violent behavior, attempted suicide, violence in childhood and the use of other drugs. Research clearly indicates that domestic violence is most often a male issue. In spite of the statistics, many males insist that equal (or more) responsibility lies with the female partner for provoking some conflict that then leads to violence. In fact, studies have shown that 35 to 67 per cent of men seeking substance abuse treatment report being abused by their female partners. Misinformation about domestic violence has often led those in the substance abuse field to behave as though it was an addictions problem. This can, at times, have harmful consequences for battered women. Some of the more significant false assumptions are: * Alcohol abuse or addiction causes men to batter; * Alcoholism treatment alone will adequately address the abuse; * Battered women are co-dependent (enabling) and thus contribute to the continuation of abuse; * Battered women who abuse alcohol must get sober before they can begin to address their victimization. While the two problems of substance and domestic abuse often co-exist, they need to be addressed separately. However, one common denominator is the fact that relapse prevention is critical to both substance abuse and family violence. In recent years, AADAC has trained staff to identify individuals involved in domestic violence who have concurrent substance abuse issues. After assessment, staff are better able to determine how best to address the problem. Treatment can be targeted to address domestic violence alone or most often in combination with substance abuse. Complex or multi-pronged approaches to co-occurring problems of family violence and substance abuse are encouraged. Many programs have recently been developed with a focus on dealing with family violence through co-ordinated community action with some positive results. Solutions definitely require a community of groups and organizations focused on domestic violence issues. On the other hand, prevention is a very important aspect in dealing with substance abuse and domestic violence. Society at large must take steps in the prevention of domestic violence. Often, prevention seems not to be as appealing as treatment and may appear to be a very slow process, but a "shift" towards proactive change is needed if women and children are to be protected from the devastating effects of violence in the home. We must aim for less misinformation and greater social responsibility directed towards prevention. Prevention is 100 per cent successful. Treatment is only successful some of the time. Does it not make more sense to focus on the former? Some thoughts for abusers: * Do you have a history of abusive behaviour? Intoxication increases the likelihood and severity of your violence?; * Getting treatment for both substance abuse and domestic abuse is most important at an early stage; * Children from abusive families often repeat the patterns they observe. Some thoughts for the victims: * Family violence does not necessarily stop when the abuser stops abusing alcohol/drugs; * Using alcohol/drugs to cope with violence is maladaptive and often leads to more problems and possibly to increased vulnerability to violence. No one deserves to be a victim! Speak out! There are programs that can help stop the cycle of abuse and assist those who have been directly impacted by it. If you have concerns about domestic violence or substance abuse, please contact Cochrane Mental Health Clinic. The National Addictions Awareness Week is Nov. 19-25. The goal is to ensure that everyone has information and the ability to promote activities that generate awareness of the dangers of substance abuse and gambling. AADAC's theme is "Making a difference together", emphasizing the importance of a whole community working together to prevent alcohol, tobacco, other drug, and gambling problems. This is a time to celebrate the joy of an addictions-free lifestyle. It is a time to get involved! The conspiracy of silence does not need to continue. Bob Bolduc is an addictions counsellor with AADAC at the Cochrane office. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek