The Links between Sexual Violence and Substance Use

Course description

This two-day course will look at all forms of sexual violence (including child sexual abuse, sexual assault and rape) and the links to problematic substance use  (including illegal drugs, prescription medicines and alcohol), within a context of post-trauma responses and coping mechanisms. Participants are expected to be drawn from across the substance misuse, mental health and domestic and sexual violence sectors, and will be encouraged to share their experience and expertise. Participants should come away from the course with increased confidence in supporting and signposting service users sensitively and effectively.

Learning objectives

• To discuss different forms of sexual violence, its myths, realities and prevalence
• To discuss different types of substances, their myths and realities and prevalence of use
• To explain the links between different forms of sexual violence and problematic drug and alcohol use
• To describe how emotional, physical and behavioural responses to sexual violence relate to trauma
• To explain how different substances may be used to cope with trauma
• To demonstrate how to respond appropriately to disclosures of sexual violence and/or problematic substance use
• To apply a range of techniques for supporting service users to cope with trauma.

Who Should Attend?

Anyone working in the following sectors: sexual and domestic violence, mental health, substance use, dual diagnosis.

National Occupation Standards

This course will help develop the skills and knowledge to support the following National Occupational Standards (NOS) - for more information about NOS click here.

Preventing and Tackling Domestic Sexual Abuse and Violence NOS:

BH202 Challenge public attitudes towards domestic and/or sexual abuse/violence

GK105 Advocate on behalf of victims/survivors of domestic and/or sexual abuse/violence

GK102 Deliver interventions towards increasing the safety of individual victims/survivors of domestic and/or sexual abuse/violence

GK101 Provide access to information for victims/survivors of domestic and/or sexual abuse/violence

DE5 (CJ C205) Establish and maintain contact with victims, survivors and witnesses which acknowledges the effects of their experience

GK104 Empower victims/survivors of domestic and/or sexual abuse/violence to recover and to regain control of their lives

 

Please contact Sophie Taylor - sophie.taylor@avaproject.org.uk - the Training & Events Co-ordinator, for information and price quotes.

 

This course has been developed in partnership with South Essex Rape and Incest Crisis Centre (SERICC).