Complicated Matters: Domestic abuse and substance use conference

In September we partnered with Fiona Richmond the Domestic Abuse Strategy Coordinator for the States of Guernsey to run Complicated Matters, a 1 day conference focussing on the links between domestic and sexual abuse and violence, mental and physical ill health and the use of drugs and alcohol. The event explored multiple disadvantage and how issues survivors of domestic abuse experience inter-connect. It also looked at new research around what works to address intimate partner violence among men and women who use substances.

Over 100 delegates attended. Speakers included Professor Liz Gilchrist from Kings College London and Professor Gail Gilchrist from the University of Edinburgh who showcased their research on treatment approaches for males in substance misuse treatment who perpetrate intimate partner violence, Jo Sharpen and Karen Lingwood from Against Violence and Abuse, a UK charity committed to ending gender based violence and abuse and Nigel Humphrey, a local Clinical Psychologist and Trauma Therapist.

The day ended with a table top exercise to discuss how some of the ideas, interventions and approaches presented might be taken forward locally.