The Intersection Between Domestic Abuse, Substance Misuse and Mental Health Problems

Abstract

Domestic abuse, substance misuse and mental health problems commonly intersect; however, practice and policy responses are frequently fragmented and siloed. Given the commonality of these intersecting issues, it is highly likely that professionals from a range of disciplines will work with individuals and/or families experiencing co-occurrence. This chapter introduces the reader to the phenomenon of mental health coercion and substance use coercion, both of which are commonly overlooked tactics of coercive control deployed by perpetrators of domestic abuse. Understanding how perpetrators induce, leverage and sustain mental health problems and/or substance misuse will enable professionals to better understand victims'/survivors' lived experiences. Having a comprehensive understanding of the full gamut of the perpetrator's patterns of abuse can contribute to responses that better meet the needs of both victims/survivors and perpetrators. The chapter considers common problematic service system responses and ends with a case study illustrating the ingredients of domestic abuse-centred and woman-centred practice.