Silence Hurts
Alcohol Abuse and Violence Against Women
Alcohol Assessment
If screening reveals the possibility of alcohol abuse, the batterer should be referred for formal assessment. Some agencies may have the capability to perform assessments in-house, while others may have to refer the client to a specialist qualified by the State. The batterer's program should assume the role of case manager if the client needs to be referred out to another agency. In this way, the client does not risk falling through the cracks.
If a man is court-ordered to attend a batterer's program, and screening has established possible alcohol abuse, the program should communicate with his probation officer that he needs substance abuse treatment.
It is good to remember that safety and sobriety are related. Lack of sobriety, either in the victim or batterer, increases the risk for further violence against the victim. Lack of victim safety threatens the sobriety of both victim and batterer. Abstinence and sobriety do not automatically ensure safety.23
Home | Courses | How to Use | Contact Us
For questions or comments, please visit our Contact Us page.
Last Updated: 6/14/04
SAMHSA is an Agency of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
