Meeting the Needs of Families Affected by Co-occurring Substance Use and Intimate Partner Violence.

This brief explains families affected by co-occurring intimate partner violence (IPV) and substance use face unique and interconnected needs and identifies promising practices and programs to meet the needs of these women and children. It begins by discussing the prevalence of IPV and substance abuse and the consequences of IPV, including health concerns and mental health concerns. Links between IPV and substance abuse are explored, and the impacts of IPV and parental substance use on children are then described. The following part of the brief outlines best practices for assessing families affected by co-occurring IPV and substance use, developing a safety plan and including key components, providing case management services, and helping children recover from the effects of their exposure to IPV, parental substance use, and child abuse or neglect through therapeutic interventions. Evidence-based programs for children and parents are highlighted and include Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. 77 references.