CONTENTS

About This Course

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to the Issues
2. Understanding Alcohol Abuse
3. Understanding Violence Against Women
4. Alcohol and Domestic Violence
5. Alcohol, Sexual Assault, and Rape
6. Prevention and Early Intervention
7. Screening and Assessment
8. Diagnosis and Treatment
9. Legal and Ethical Issues

Supplements
Fact Sheets
Videos
Resources

Silence Hurts
Alcohol Abuse and Violence Against Women

Introduction

As the modules in this course have shown, the issues of alcohol abuse and violence against women are complex and far-reaching. When the two issues intersect, as is frequently the case, it creates even more challenges for the health and mental health care professional. The challenges are especially apparent in the area of treatment.

Practitioners must often juggle complex problems with conflicting models and goals to determine the best course of action for a range of clients (both men and women). Just what this "best course" is may not be obvious to even the most seasoned practitioner. For example, should a woman with an abusive husband begin couples therapy if it helps the man become less abusive but perpetuates an unhealthy relationship? When is the right time for a woman to address her own addiction problems if she is coping with post-traumatic stress disorder? What is the best choice for an abusive man with addiction issues if the only treatment options are separate programs across town from each other?

Treatment providers working in the fields of addiction, domestic violence and sexual assault have similar goals of helping clients become self-sufficient and healthy. In addition, there are common concepts between the addiction and domestic violence fields.

At the same time, few programs address the link between alcohol abuse and violence against women, despite research showing the connection.

Society has come a long way since the days when wife-beating was considered a husband's prerogative or when the only treatment for alcohol abuse was an overnight stay in the local jail. As health and mental health professionals, researchers, and members of the public increase their awareness of the link between alcohol abuse and violence, program options will reflect this awareness.