Social Work - Research Publications
Permanent URI for this collection
Search Results
1 - 2 of 2
-
ItemKODY, an all-of-family response to co-occurring substance use and domestic violence: protocol for a quasi-experimental intervention trial(BMC, 2022-02-12)BACKGROUND: The co-occurrence of domestic violence with alcohol and other drugs significantly increases the severity of abuse and violence experienced by family members. Longitudinal studies indicate that substance use is one of few predictors of men's continued use of, or desistance from, violence. Recent developments in men's behaviour change programs have focused on men's attitudes and behaviour towards their children, and the exploration of interventions that address the needs of all family members. However, the research evidence is limited on the most effective elements of men's behaviour change programs in promoting the safety and wellbeing of child and women victim survivors. This study aims to build on the existing evidence by trialling the KODY program which addresses harmful substance use by men who also perpetrate domestic violence; the safety and wellbeing of women and children; the needs of children in their own right, as well as in relationship with their mothers; and the development of an 'all-of-family' service response. The evaluation of these innovations, and the ramifications for policy development to support less fragmented service system responses, provide the rationale for the study. METHODS/DESIGN: A quasi-experimental design will be used to assess the primary outcomes of improving the safety and wellbeing of mothers and children whose (ex)partners and fathers respectively participate in KODY (the trial program), when compared with 'Caring Dads standard' (the comparison group). Psychometric tests will be administered to fathers and mothers at baseline, post-program and at 3-month follow up. Data collection will occur over three years. DISCUSSION: By building the evidence base about responses to co-occurring domestic violence and substance use, this study aims to develop knowledge about improving safety outcomes for women and children, and to better understand appropriate support for children in families living at the intersection of domestic violence and substance use. It is anticipated that study findings will point to the ramifications for policy development to support less fragmented service system responses. TRIAL REGISTRATION: An application for registration with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( https://www.anzctr.org.au/ ) was lodged on 20 December 2021 (Request number: 383206)-prospectively registered.
-
ItemParticipatory practice guideline development at the intersections of domestic and family violence, mental distress and/or parental substance use(Emerald, 2022)Purpose: It is well established that the service system has a poor history of responding holistically to address the needs of children and families living with co-occurring complexities such as domestic violence, parental mental health and/or substance use. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to describe the developmental process and content of guidelines created to inform practice at the intersections of domestic violence, mental health and alcohol and other drug services, ensuring that the tactics of coercive control are visible in contexts of complexity. The approach: The guidelines were developed through undertaking a literature review, followed by a practice-led research approach with practitioners from 33 organisations across three Australian states. Communities of practice comprised of practitioners providing interventions to children and families were central to the approach. Data that informed the development of the guidelines included a literature review, ethnographic notes, qualitative interviews, quantitative surveys, and reflections. Findings: Practice-led research engaged practitioners in the development of guidelines to promote an integrated response to working with families experiencing domestic violence, substance use and mental health issues. The integrated approach drew from the Safe & Together Model, emphasising partnering with women survivors, pivoting to the perpetrator, focusing on children’s safety and wellbeing, promoting worker safety, collaborating across agencies, and influencing organisational change. The process demonstrated the usefulness of this integrated approach, using practitioner-based examples. Originality/value: Successful iterative processes to develop the guidelines were undertaken to support cultural change towards holistic and collaborative work across multiple sectors and organisations.