Agencies from across Kent and Medway are examining the complex relationship between domestic abuse and the misuse of drugs and alcohol at a conference held at Kent Police College on Wednesday 18 November.

The Kent and Medway Domestic Violence Strategy Group, which coordinates the multi-agency response to domestic abuse, is hosting the conference. Among the 150 delegates attending will be representatives from Kent and Medway's domestic violence forums, community safety partnerships, women's aid organisations, as well as probation and children's services.

The Rt. Hon. Ann Widdecombe MP, who is speaking at the conference, said: 'Domestic abuse can affect men, women and children but often it goes unaddressed. I hope this conference will highlight the dangers.'

Watch and listen online

 

 Case study - Julia's story (on YouTube)

 Interview with Assistant Chief Constable Alan Pughsley

 Case study - Julia's story

 Interview with Assistant Chief Constable Alan Pughsley

 Interview with MP Ann Widdecombe

 

Substance abuse never an excuse

Chief Superintendent Lee Catling, Chair of the Kent and Medway Domestic Violence Strategy Group and head of Kent Police's Public Protection Unit, says: 'Substance misuse will never be accepted as an excuse for subjecting a partner to domestic abuse. The conference enables agencies to discuss their roles to develop an effective response across Kent and Medway.

'Misuse of drugs and alcohol are aggravating factors and can make the abuse more

unpredictable and severe. The impact of domestic abuse and substance misuse on family life is devastating, particularly for children.'

Domestic abuse and substance misuse

Although substance misuse does not cause domestic violence, a range of studies have demonstrated a clear link between the two.

• View figures explaining the link between domestic violence and substance misuse.

Karen Bailey, deputy director of the Stella Project, an agency addressing drug and alcohol related domestic violence and abuse across London's 33 boroughs, said:

'Statistics show that many women use drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism for their experiences of abuse and show high rates of depression and PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder]. At the same time, this substance use can impact on their ability to safety plan for themselves and their children.

'When the perpetrator uses substances this also increases the seriousness of the abuse and violence, however it is unsafe to presume that treating the substance use alone is sufficient. Often, abuse, violence and controlling behaviour exist when the perpetrator is sober.'

Effects on children

Domestic abuse is not just a problem that concerns adults, it can also have a huge effect on the lives of young people. Find out more about the impact it can have by reading Leigh and Julia's stories:

• Leigh's story*: How Connexions helped 16-year-old Leigh deal with an abusive boyfriend
• Julia's story*: The impact of alcohol-related domestic abuse on her childhood

(*Names have been changed)

Helping young people

Justine Croft, from Connexions Kent and Medway, said: 'It's usual to assume that children and young people are victims of domestic violence and this is very often true. Connexions, however, also works with some young people who may also be perpetrators of domestic violence.'

Bev Mears, from KCA, said: 'KCA has a specialist team working with vulnerable children coping with their parents substance misuse and our families and couples counselling teams offer support to people struggling to develop practical ways of managing and channelling the anger, hurt and upset caused by substance misuse.'

Get support

There is support available in Kent and Medway for those with domestic abuse or substance misuse issues.

Fiona Palmer, from YWCA West Kent, said: 'We have been supporting women to move their lives forward positively with a range of informal and accredited programmes to overcome barriers in their lives and increase their self-esteem.

'We welcome young women from the west Kent area and have a wide variety of programmes with opportunities to participate and volunteer. For more information please contact our centre on 01732 365831.'

Male victims

Domestic abuse is not only an issue that affects women, there are male victims too. Ippo Panteloudakis, from Respect, said:  'I welcome this opportunity to speak about the Respect Phoneline and the Men's Advice Line. Perpetrators and victims bring a wide range of issues and we need to find ways to meet their needs, prioritising safety and reducing the risk.

'I believe the dialogue between drug and alcohol workers and domestic violence workers needs to be strengthened and this conference is an excellent opportunity to network, share good practice and learn from each other.'

Latest statistics

There were 20,710 incidents of domestic abuse reported to Kent Police between April 2008 and March 2009. This is an increase of 569 incidents, compared to the previous year.

These include threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (including psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are intimate partners or family members. These figures also include more rarely reported incidents of forced marriage, stalking and honour-based violence.

Who to call?

• In an emergency or if your life is in danger, please call 999.
• The National Domestic Violence Helpline is 0808 2000247.
• The Men's Advice Line, specifically for men affected by domestic abuse, is 0808 801 0327.
• Respect, which gives advice and help to offenders, as well as families and professionals, is 0845 122 8609.
• The Karma Nirvana helpline number, which supports victims of forced marriages and honour-based violence, is 0800 5 999 247.
• Local contacts: Click to find out about groups you can contact where you live

Legal advice

Kent Police supports the National Centre for Domestic Violence, which gives free legal advice and representation to victims of domestic abuse and helps them obtain civil court orders, also known as injunctions, to protect them from their abusers. A civil order stops a violent or abusive partner or ex-partner from using or threatening violence.

Contact the centre by calling 08709 220704. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Financial advice

The Citizens Advice Bureau provides free, confidential and independent advice, both face-to-face and by telephone. Most bureaux offer home visits and some also provide email advice.

There are bureaux in towns across Kent, enter your postcode on their website to find the one nearest to you.

• You can also find information and advice on the Adviceguide website

You can also call the government and private sector-funded National Debtline on 0808 808 4000, to obtain self-help packs and fact sheets on rent or mortgage arrears.

Posted on: 18 November 2009