Tuesday, October 21, 2003

Sexual Abuse Huge Problem for Women in Treatment
Feature story at Join Together - "More than a third of women in addiction treatment have been physically forced to have sex, according to experts looking at the relationship between addiction, HIV, and sexual abuse among female addicts and alcoholics. ... Most treatment providers believe that domestic violence should be addressed in treatment, according to the survey. But few feel they have adequate training to address domestic violence...and some providers said that tackling such issues could distract from their focus on addiction and recovery. ... The SIG's Women's Wellness Project developed a model intervention program for abused women, and is testing it with a study group of 38 female treatment participants. The study will not only look at the model's impact on addiction but also related outcomes pertaining to HIV and unprotected sex."