Training

Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Substance Use

Brief Overview

A Webinar Series for Substance Abuse Counselors and Other Allied Behavioral Health Professionals Working with Women

Who?

This series is appropriate for substance abuse treatment providers and allied professionals working with women who are survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Advocates partnering with substance abuse providers may also be interested in this series, which addresses treatment strategies and collaboration as well as other topics.

What?

This webinar series will build on Real Tools: Responding to Multi-Abuse Trauma and will offer a practical toolkit for providing trauma-informed services responsive to the needs of women survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault affected by substance abuse.

This series is rooted in the experiences of women in recovery who are also survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Many of the women we interviewed for Real Tools shared how they were often prevented from seeking treatment, pulled out of treatment against medical advice, and denied access to aftercare or peer support. Women also reported being coerced into using by partners, which led to relapse and increased safety risks.

This series will provide a forum for us to discuss substance abuse in the context of domestic violence, sexual assault, and various forms of oppression. Webinar attendees will explore how to respond to the needs of people they see in their services who are experiencing barriers to treatment and recovery, including substance abuse coercion. We will also include tips on support and treatment strategies in rural areas.

Webinar Information

Originally aired Monday, August 25 | 2:00 – 3:30pm (CST)

This webinar offers an overview of an approach for providing interdisciplinary trauma-informed support groups for women who are affected by substance abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of trauma and oppression. Groups can be provided in multiple treatment settings as well as in advocacy programs. The group handout materials can also be used in 1-1 counseling sessions as well as in informational lecture series.

Patti Bland, M.A., CDP
Substance Abuse Training Director
National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health

Barb Rindels
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocate
University of Northern Iowa Integrated Services Project (UNI-ISP)

Name Type File/Link
Name: Webinar recording Type: Link File/Link:

Originally aired Monday, September 22 | 2:00 – 3:30pm (CST)

This webinar will discuss similarities and historical challenges faced by substance abuse treatment providers and domestic violence/sexual assault advocates working on behalf of the people they serve. Tips and strategies to develop and foster collaborative working relationships, networking opportunities, cross-training, and trauma-informed services will be described. Participants will learn how to build and strengthen their capacity to serve women experiencing challenges to recovery and safety in the context of both substance abuse and intimate partner violence.

Patti Bland, M.A., CDP
Substance Abuse Training Director
National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health

Name Type File/Link
Name: Webinar recording Type: Link File/Link:
Name: Handout of Slides: Partnership and Collaboration: Bridging the Gap Between Treatment Services and Advocacy Type: File File/Link:
Name: Handout: Working With Other Providers Type: File File/Link:
Name: Handout: What Does Safety Mean? Type: File File/Link:
Name: Handout: SAFE and SISTR: Everyone Welcome Here Type: File File/Link:
Name: Appendix: Partnership and Collaboration: Bridging the Gap Between Treatment Services and Advocacy Type: File File/Link:

Originally aired Monday, September 29 | 2:00 – 3:30pm (CST)

Being exposed to substance abuse and witnessing domestic violence can put children at risk. Children often blame themselves for both the substance abuse and the violence. Additionally, child abuse may occur in homes where substance abuse and violence overlap. This webinar provides trauma-informed strategies to support children’s emotional well-being as well as provide safety planning tips. Forming partnerships between family counselors and advocates can be very helpful as part of this process.

Patti Bland, M.A., CDP
Substance Abuse Training Director
National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health

Name Type File/Link
Name: Webinar recording Type: Link File/Link:
Name: Handout of Slides: Supporting Children Exposed to Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence Type: File File/Link:
Name: Handout: Safety Planning Interventions for Children Type: File File/Link:
Name: Handout: Children Affected by Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse Type: File File/Link: