A critical interpretive synthesis of the intersection of domestic violence with parental issues of mental health and substance misuse

Abstract

A critical interpretive synthesis (CIS) methodology was used with the aim of informing practice with children and families when domestic and family violence (DFV) and parental issues relating to alcohol and other drugs (AOD) and mental health (MH) are also present. A CIS is grounded in the literature, but includes questioning of the literature in order to problematise gaps, contradictions and constructions of issues. A review of the literature from 2010 to 2018 was conducted with the structured search strategy identifying 40 relevant research articles. Synthesis and critique of these articles revealed three mutually informative themes through which to understand the literature and how it can inform practice. They were as follows: differences in theoretical approaches and client focus; complexity of system's collaboration; and practices converging on mothers. Taken together, these themes facilitated the development of the synthesising construct: strengthening intersection between DFV, AOD and MH sectors . Attention to practice at multiple levels that responds to the dynamics of gender and the differing impacts of violence was often lacking, particularly in the context of heightened child protection concerns where collaboration between sectors is needed. Both promising and problematic practices relating to gender dynamics and accountability converged on mothers. While there were exceptions, generally, there was an absence of engagement with, and recognition of, the impacts of fathers’ patterns of using violence and control on adult and child survivors. Promising practice related to the strengthening of the mother–child relationship and attention to MH and its intersection with domestic violence. Strengthening the intersections between DFV, AOD and MH practices with attention to keeping the perpetrator of violence in view is critical to overcoming the poor practice that can occur when sectors are siloed from each other.

KODY, an all-of-family response to co-occurring substance use and domestic violence: protocol for a quasi-experimental intervention trial

“…Operating within the DV and AOD service sectors respectively, the two partner organisations—Kids First and Odyssey House Victoria—have a shared focus on the needs of vulnerable children and train their staff in a common framework (Safe and Together) which brings a shared language and conceptualisation of the intersection of AOD and DV [ 30 ]. In the study context of Victoria, Australia, their joint commitment to collaborating across these sectors exemplifies a shift in the service system context and policy drivers away from a siloed service system which results in separate and disconnected service responses, particularly when children are involved [ 21 ].…”

“…These include adverse health impacts [ 18 ], the undermining of children’s emotional and psychological wellbeing [ 19 ], and problems connected with damaging behaviours. Similarly, the destructive impact for children living with parental harmful substance use is a significant driver of children into child protection and out of home care [ 20 ], particularly when there is co-occurrence with DV and carer mental ill-health [ 21 , 22 ].…”

When policy fails try something different integrated practice improve outcomes for dual diagnosis co-occurring service users accessing mental health services

“…Clients with co-occurring needs frequently present with complex needs (Duijkers et al , 2016; Pringle et al , 2017; Stathopoulos and Jenkinson, 2017; Isobe et al , 2020). This can include, housing, family relationships, safeguarding, history of assault including domestic, sexual and violence.…”

Navigating risk and protective factors for family violence during and after the COVID-19 ‘perfect storm’

“…Emergency warning systems have been implemented also in pharmacies and grocery stores in countries such as France for those at risk (Guenfoud, 2020). Ideally though, these practitioner approaches would be situated within broader and integrated 'safety of service system responses' (Isobe, Healey, & Humphreys, 2020, p. 1404 to address structural and social factors.…”

“…As highlighted in previous sections, poor mental health outcomes during and beyond COVID-19 may increase risk of FV, whereas engagement with therapeutic services can reduce the likelihood of FV. It is critical that perpetrators and their relationships to their families are a focus of assessment and interventions as research indicates that victim survivors (typically women) are inappropriately scrutinised, particularly in relation to their mental health, when risk of FV is identified (Moulding, Franzway, Wendt, Zuffrey, & Chung, 2020), while male perpetrators 'sink from view' (Isobe et al, 2020(Isobe et al, , p. 1395. Keeping perpetrators in view offers crucial opportunities to address their mental health issues and comorbidities such as alcohol and other substances misuse.…”