Violence against WUD

Violence against women is endemic worldwide and, despite all the HR efforts, campaigns and interventions at all levels, it seems to have no easy solution. Some specific groups of women are particularly vulnerable to it, yet their needs are continually ignored. This becomes evident when addressing violence against WUD. WUD are the victims of many different layers of violence. They even suffer structural violence deriving from punitive drug enforcement, which increases harms associated with drug use.

Despite their vulnerability to the many forms of violence and abuse, the majority of WUD are not allowed to access shelters. The failure to ensure access to shelter and specific support to WUD is caused by various structural inequalities from the denial of access by shelter managers to state policies that intentionally ignore the needs of WUD. HR service providers should establish strong relationships with women’s shelters and ancillary social services to ensure that WUD have access to the support they need and receive non-judgmental services.

There is evidence that intimate partner violence is also more commonly experienced by WUD than women in the general population. Many WUD experience violence and abuse within the relationship with their partners. The low social status of many among these vulnerable women increases such risk. Over 80% of WUD have been abused in their homes.

Violence against women can both lead to substance use and contribute to the development of patterns of problematic drug use. The European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) reports that problematic drug use can lead to women engaging in sex work as a source of income, and sex work can increase their vulnerability to violence.

It is widely acknowledged that women victims of violence need specialized services, but in many countries social services or general shelters are not organized to support women who experience violence. Furthermore, shelters lack the specialized services that are necessary for specific health problems. WUD often experience barriers to access health services and very few services are targeted towards them. In most countries, women account for a smaller proportion of people who use drugs than men and services are often equipped to suit mens’ needs.

It is recommended to provide counselling sessions for women’s partners to reduce violent reactions when at home. Partners might be included in post-test counselling sessions. Partner notification can be conducted in the counsellor’s office and role playing can help prepare client.