Domestic violence and substance use: untangling the connections to help those in need

MultiCare partners with Crystal Judson to address this complex challenge

As people have struggled to navigate the added stress and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic violence (also known as intimate partner violence) has intensified. According to the National Commission on COVID-19 and Criminal Justice (NCCJ), the number of domestic violence incidents in the U.S. increased by 8 percent following lockdown orders.

Substance use also increased in 2020. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 13 percent of Americans either began using substances or increased their use as a way to manage difficult emotions related to the pandemic.

The uptick in both domestic violence and substance use is not a coincidence — these issues are often intertwined. In fact, a study from the National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women found that between 67 and 80 percent of women in treatment for substance misuse have experienced domestic violence.

“Sometimes abusers use substances to control and coerce their victims,” says Abi McLane, assistant director of the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center. “It’s also common for survivors of domestic violence to turn to substances to cope because they’ve been cut off from other sources of support, such as family and friends.”

Many domestic violence survivors who develop substance use problems often find it hard to get help. They may be shunted from one assistance program to another, told to first get treatment for substances or to first find a safe place to stay. Their problems are co-occurring, yet many providers don’t treat them that way. Historically, this is the scenario that people dealing with domestic violence and substance misuse have faced when accessing support.

Despite the complex interconnections between domestic violence and substance use, a practice gap exists between providers in each sector.

“People tend to feel like they’re batting out of their depth, meaning they can’t effectively address both issues at the same time because the knowledge, training and referral systems just aren’t there,” says McLane. “We wanted to change that.”

Bridging the gap, lowering barriers

MultiCare Behavioral Health substance use disorder (SUD) programs and the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center have been working together since 2017 to make it easier for domestic violence survivors to recover and rebuild their lives. The partnership began when Crystal Judson was selected as one of three pilot sites around the country for a learning exchange program between providers of domestic violence services and substance use professionals.

“Our goal is to reduce stigma and lower barriers for individuals who need access to both services at the same time,” says Robert Hamilton, manager of Chemical Dependency Services at MultiCare Behavioral Health. “Working together and learning from each other puts each of us in a better position to meet people where they’re at.”

The impact of COVID-19

The partnership was in its infancy when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Travel restrictions, stay-at-home orders, business and school closures were effective at quelling the spread of the virus, but they had unintended repercussions as well. These public health measures also fostered the conditions where substance misuse and domestic violence can thrive, underscoring the need for the two organizations to align.

“The stay-at-home orders were important to curb the pandemic, but they also increased social isolation, making it harder for people to get help,” says Nadia Van Atter, victim services supervisor at Crystal Judson Family Justice Center. “It’s difficult to call an advocate or a SUD counselor when you’re trapped in the house with your abuser.”

Forging ahead

Both Crystal Judson and MultiCare SUD shifted their services from in-person to 100 percent virtual to continue serving people amid the pandemic, and they also forged ahead with their partnership. So far, it’s yielded several virtual cross-training opportunities, allowing providers at both organizations to develop a rich, nuanced understanding of the interplay between domestic violence and substance use.

The two organizations are collaborating on patient outreach as well; Crystal Judson has dedicated a domestic violence advocate to work directly with MultiCare SUD outpatient clinics in the Puget Sound region. The partnership is also working together on a third initiative: the placement of a Crystal Judson advocate in a new inpatient unit at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital. Scheduled to open in early 2022, the unit provides those who are pregnant a safe place to recover from addiction.

“There’s a big overlap between domestic violence and substance use in pregnancy,” says McLane. “By pooling our resources, we can give these mothers hope and a chance at a better future.”

Where to get help

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center Helpline at 253-798-4116.

You can also contact MultiCare Behavioral Health Domestic Violence Services at 253-445-8120, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 (available 24/7).