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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.

Details

Date:
February 28
Time:
9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Additional Info

Registration/RSVP Required
Yes (see event description)
Event Type
Thesis Defence
Topic
Health, Policy and Social Change, Research and Innovation
Audiences
Alumni, Community, Faculty, Staff, Families, Partners and Industry, Students, Postdoctoral Fellows and Research Associates