Addressing intimate partner abuse (IPA) perpetrated by heterosexual men in substance use treatment: the ADVANCE programme
Abstract
Intimate partner abuse (IPA) perpetration involves any behaviour by an intimate partner causing physical, sexual or psychological harm, including aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse, financial abuse and controlling behaviours. Around 4 in 10 men in treatment for substance use have perpetrated intimate partner abuse (IPA) in the past year, far higher than men from the general population. Our previous research highlighted the complex interplay between IPA perpetration and the effects of intoxication, withdrawal and craving, gendered power relations and controlling behaviours. Despite this, few men receiving substance use treatment are referred to perpetrator programmes. The ADVANCE programme of research was conducted to better understand the role of substance use in IPA perpetration and how best to address this. We developed and tested the ADVANCE integrated intervention to target abusive behaviour perpetrated towards a female partner by men in substance use treatment. This symposium will 1) present findings a descriptive model of the pathways between substance use and IPA perpetration for men in substance use treatment from narrative interviews; 2) describe the development of the ADVANCE intervention to target the specific risks and needs of men in substance use treatment and its adaption for digital delivery; 3) showcase the ADVANCE digital intervention and 4) present and compare findings from two studies of the ADVANCE group intervention and the ADVANCE digital intervention.