DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 
and
SUBSTANCE ABUSE

​​Domestic violence and substance abuse are intimately linked and often occur simultaneously. In many cases one is a symptom of the other. Many women who are victims of abuse often develop PTSD, anxiety and/or depression and turn to substances as a way to cope with these issues and self-medicate their pain. Women who experience domestic violence are more likely to suffer from substance abuse compared to women who have never experienced domestic violence or assault.