LINKS between domestic and substance abuse were examined yesterday at a major conference in Perth.

Over 170 professionals, service users and members of the public from across the UK gathered at Perth Concert Hall for the Tayside Domestic Abuse and Substance Misuse Project event.

The conference is being used to report on the work of the project—which seeks to examine the links between domestic abuse and substance misuse and to improve access to services for women affected by both issues—and also to launch a number of important resources developed by the project.

It was opened by minister for communities and sport Stewart Maxwell and chaired by manager of Scottish Women’s Aid Lily Greenan.

Delegates enjoyed presentations from Dr Sarah Galvani from Warwick University, who has carried out extensive research about the overlap between domestic abuse and substance misuse; and Marai Larasi, chief executive of the London-based Nia Project, which delivers services to women affected by domestic abuse and substance misuse.

There was a performance by the award-winning Geese Theatre Company, which works with socially excluded and marginalised groups.

Lead worker for the project Kathryn Sharp said, “I was delighted to welcome colleagues and service users from across the country to Perth.

“The interest they have shown in the work that has taken place in Tayside over the last two years shows how important work around supporting women who have experienced both domestic abuse and substance misuse is.

“We hope the learning from our project can be used in other areas to improve services for women and their children.

“The project has worked hard to dispel myths that alcohol and drugs cause, or are an excuse for, domestic abuse,” she added.

“Many women who are experiencing domestic abuse use substances to help them cope with the physical and emotional pain they are experiencing.

“Other women are introduced to substances by their abusive partner as part of his ongoing control of the woman.”

The Tayside Domestic Abuse and Substance Misuse Project was established in 2006 and is a partnership between local agencies working in the domestic abuse and substance misuse sectors.

Its work has been funded by the Scottish Government Multiple and Complex Needs Initiative, which aims to better understand the processes by which people with multiple and complex needs engage with services and work to resolve their issues.

Stewart Maxwell said, “The Scottish Government is committed to tackling domestic abuse and recognises the significant links to substance misuse.

“That is why we have allocated over £166,000 to the Tayside Domestic Abuse and Substance Misuse Project over the last two years,” the minister added.