
Thesis Defence: Combined Programming to Support Women-Identified Survivors of Domestic Violence Experiencing Co-Occurring Problematic Substance Use
February 28 at 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Savanna Belitski, supervised by Dr. John Graham, will defend their thesis titled “Combined Programming to Support Women-Identified Survivors of Domestic Violence Experiencing Co-Occurring Problematic Substance Use” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work.
An abstract for Savanna Belitski’s thesis is included below.
Defences are open to all members of the campus community as well as the general public. Please email john.graham@ubc.ca to receive the Zoom link for this defence.
ABSTRACT
Women-identified survivors of domestic violence (DV) experiencing co-occurring problematic substance use (SU) have complex service needs which are inadequately addressed by traditional siloed approaches to service delivery. Combined programming, which simultaneously addresses needs related to both DV and SU, demonstrates effectiveness in addressing the needs of this population. However, research is only recently emerging, and agencies have been slow to incorporate combined interventions. Addressing this critical gap, this qualitative study explored the strengths and limitations of community-based agencies in Canada offering combined DV/SU programming. Using an Interpretive Description design, semi-structured interviews with service providers offering combined DV/SU programming were used to explore the specific motivations, theoretical approaches, policies, successes, and barriers to implementing such programming. The study found that successful programming was informed by trauma-informed, client-centred, and harm-reduction approaches, and focused on addressing DV/SU needs holistically. The study also uniquely described the unanticipated impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including increases in complex client needs and limitations placed on community-based agencies, in motivating practice shifts towards combined interventions. Practice recommendations garnered through participant interviews included efforts to increase staff competencies, address stigma and misconceptions, build agency capacity, and further incorporate trauma-informed, client-centred, and harm-reduction approaches. This study provides useful insights for future research, policies, and supports that would address the unique needs of women experiencing DV/SU.