Violence in the Lives of Homeless Mothers in a Substance Abuse Treatment Program: A Descriptive Study

• NCJ Number: 161936
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 11 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1996) Pages: 234-249
• Author(s): C S North; S J Thompson; E M Smith; L M Kyburz
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 16 pages
• Grant Number(s): AA08804
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This report presents statistical information on rates of violence and victimization among program participants of a substance abuse program for homeless women.

Abstract

Eighty-four women who were entering a substance abuse program for homeless mothers with children under age 13 were the subjects for this study. Psychiatric diagnoses of drug and alcohol use disorders and antisocial personality disorder were made by using the revised third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria at a baseline assessment during the subject's first week in the program. Subjects were also asked about childhood sexual and physical abuse experiences. Other information often obtained, although not systematically solicited, included a history of adult physical traumas such as rape or assault. Eighty-four percent of the women in the study reported a lifetime victimization experience, and nearly two-thirds (65 percent) acknowledged committing aggressive or abusive adult behaviors. The findings show that, as predicted, violence is a significant issue in the lives of homeless mothers who seek substance abuse treatment. Clinical experience with these women found the recovery process to be plagued by chronic violence-related problems that present formidable obstacles to treatment. In serving a violence-ridden population of substance- abusing homeless women, it has been suggested that elements of an effective treatment program must include a safe environment where the women and their children can meet their basic needs and feel secure from further abuse; education about family violence; and peer support groups that focus on strategies for coping, problemsolving, learning of new skills, and the building of positive relationships. Such a program would benefit by incorporating specific instruction that will help clients learn how to protect themselves from further traumas as well as cope with past traumas. 1 table and 32 references