Summary

Survivors of domestic violence (DV) often use substances to cope with the trauma they may experience as a result of the violence. These linkages between substance use and DV are known but approaches to dealing with survivors who use substances often place a requirement of abstinence on the survivor as a method of dealing with substance use. This can place a burden on the survivor in that some cannot or are using substances to cope, especially given the trauma and symptoms they may experience. This interactive workshop addresses sub-themes of DV, addictions (harm reduction approaches), and mental health (trauma) by providing participants with introductory level knowledge of harm reduction approaches, trauma-informed practice, and DV. Through this workshop, participants will achieve three major learning outcomes, including: 1) acquire introductory knowledge of harm reduction (as a philosophy and a practice), trauma-informed practice, and DV; 2) develop an understanding of the linkages between harm reduction, trauma-informed practice, and DV; and, 3) apply the learning to a case study. We will briefly highlight the connection between DV and substance use and then examine harm reduction. Harm reduction will be addressed as both a philosophy and practice. Participants will consider the underlying values included in harm reduction approaches and some of the strengths and limitations of applying harm reduction and abstinence approaches with survivors of DV. We will also focus on trauma-informed practice and the values underlying it and approaches used. The linkages between harm reduction and trauma-informed practice will be made apparent. The learning outcomes will be achieved by through discussions and provision of information these interlinked topics, coupled with experiential learning using a short case study exercise that enables participants to consider the linkages and how to work with a survivor of DV using harm reduction and trauma-informed practices. 

Keywords (separate with commas)

Domestic violence, substance use, harm reduction, trauma-informed practices, mental health