Committed to Safety for ALL Survivors: Guidance for Domestic Violence Programs on Supporting Survivors Who Use Substances

Thank you for your dedication to supporting all survivors. The goal of this guide is to assist programs and advocates in supporting survivors who use substances by providing practical strategies embedded within an accessible, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed (ACRTI) approach.

While this guide makes reference to substance use disorder treatment, at times, the goal of this guide is to enable advocates to move beyond conversations about treatment. In the same way that DV advocacy is grounded in the ability to support survivors whether or not they have decided to or are able to leave an abusive relationship, this guide is a resource for advocates to be able to support survivors whether or not they have decided to or are able to stop using substances.