Recovering Safety: A Pilot Study of a Women's Empowerment Group for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence with Substance Use Disorders

Alcohol Treat Q. 2024;42(1):62-75. doi: 10.1080/07347324.2023.2272799. Epub 2023 Oct 26.

Abstract

This pilot study examined the feasibility and satisfaction of the Recovering Safety group, an outpatient empowerment, psychoeducational skills group for women with substance use disorders (SUDs) who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). Patient satisfaction, empowerment, and safety were assessed at three time points. Participants (N=8) reported high satisfaction with the group and rated the IPV-informed content, women-only participants, and female therapist as important factors; empowerment increased from pre- to post group. These results support initial feasibility; further study of such treatments is needed to examine efficacy of this group intervention.

Keywords: Intimate partner violence; domestic violence; gender-based violence; group therapy; substance use; substance use disorder; women.