The goal of this presentation is to examine the relationships among substance abuse and violence, using the framework of the tripartite model of violence, described in an earlier presentation. Participants in this study are welfare recipients, primarily African American, and are poor, and thus at high risk for structural and other types of violence. Additionally, this population may be at increased risk because of recent changes in welfare legislation. Furthermore, because these changes are recent, little is known about the long-term consequences of the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) highlighting the need for research with this specific population (Jayakody, Danziger, and Pollack, 2000). Twenty-seven women (70% African American and 30% European American) who were participants in a national demonstration, substance abuse treatment and training programs (CASAWORKS) were interviewed to obtain both qualitative and quantitative data. We examined how three elements of structural violence were related to substance abuse and domestic violence. The findings indicated that the different levels of violence in our communities are interrelated. They also suggest that women who were less knowledgeable about social systems were more likely to internalize negative stereotypes about their group, experience higher levels of domestic violence, and have more severe drug addictions. Additionally, we found racial differences in knowledge of and involvement with social service agencies. Implications of these findings for interventions are discussed. See www.casaworks.org
Learning Objectives: At the end of the session, the participant will be able to discuss how different types of violence inter-relate within a community, and be able to articulate the role of poverty in engendering different types of violence.
Keywords: Welfare Reform, Violence
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.