Toolkit to Deal with Female Drug User Victims of Gender-Based Violence

Practical Implementation of the "INTERELAVE Toolkit"  to Deal with Women* Drug User Victims of Gender-Based Violence

The study investigates the intricate connection between gender-based violence (GBV) and drug use among women*, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions. Key challenges include the non-integration of a gender perspective, service saturation in treating drug dependence and GBV separately, weak support networks, social reintegration service limitations, and a general lack of financing.

Methods: Comprehensive research involved an 80-paper literature review, two surveys of Women Who Use Drugs (WWUD) and professional staff, 15 focus groups, and 120 short interviews. Employing a gender and feminist approach, the study conducted a quantitative and qualitative analysis, revealing alarming prevalence rates of various forms of violence among WWUD.

Economic violence: 35.00%
Sexual violence during childhood/adolescence: 44.62%
Sexual violence during adulthood: 44.62%
Psychological violence: 86.54%
Physical violence: 74.23%
The study highlighted dissatisfaction and feelings of judgment within drug services, indicating systemic issues.

Results: A study found that women in mixed therapeutic communities face several challenges, including isolation, a lack of recognition of the connection between drug use and gender-based violence, and a general absence of a gender perspective.

Limited gender specialists exacerbated challenges, emphasizing the need for comprehensive training for professionals in both specialized and mainstream services on the intersection between gender and drugs. The study revealed prevalent institutional violence among WWUD, necessitating improved intervention strategies in both mainstream and specialized services.

The INTERELAVE Toolkit provides practical guidance for implementing sensitive strategies to address gender-based violence and women's substance use disorder within therapeutic frameworks. It aims to enhance quality standards, policies, and practices, and disseminate guidelines and studies, ultimately benefiting policymakers, staff, professionals, directors, management, peers, and clients.

Tools: The toolkit includes various tools:

Self-assessment tests for organizational and program management
Action plans, checklists, and mapping resources
Tools for mapping networks and conducting target group interviews
A systematic approach for policymakers
An orientation helper for clients and peers

Discussion: The workshop brings together participants to apply the INTERELAVE Toolkit to different areas of work, such as treatment, prevention, harm reduction, and policy making. It emphasizes practical solutions, comprehensive gender perspectives, and effective interventions to assist women with substance use disorder and gender-based violence.