Safe, strong and sober project - individuals who are pregnant or postpartum are vulnerable to IPV

Survivors of IPV are at higher risk of engaging in risky behaviors, including substance abuse and substance use disorders. Rivera ET AL. (2015) reported that across several studies, a significant number of women - anywhere from 47% to 90% - in treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) experienced physical and/or sexual victimization from an intimate partner. The national center on domestic violence, trauma, and mental health (ncdvtmh) found that survivors of IPV may use substances for a number of reasons (zapata-alma, 2020). They may be introduced to the substance by their abuser. Substance use coercion is a tactic used by abusers to make the victim dependent on the substance and thus, on the abuser. Survivors may use substances as a coping mechanism, especially in the face of continual trauma and harm. Substances allow the survivor to numb the mental and emotional harm. This numbing also helps the survivor avoid seeking medical care for physical pain or injury inflicted by the abuser, for which the survivor may be too ashamed to seek treatment. For some survivors, using substances with the abuser is an attempt at connection, which the survivor may hope prevents the abuser from inflicting more pain (zapata-alma, 2020). The work to address this intersection has been undeveloped in hawaii. Patients in prenatal and postpartum care can be supported in the community with a focused effort. This application reflects the collaborative intention to train, educate, improve screening, strengthen protocols and provide supportive services to women at risk for partner abuse, substance abuse and health conditions related to pregnancy and the postpartum period. With the engagement of programs statewide moms, pregnant women, survivors and substance users can become whole, feel supported and develop protective parenting assets.