At least 11,000 women in Ireland are estimated to suffer from both drug addiction and domestic violence, according to the findings of a new report.
The study by researchers at Trinity College Dublin has provided the first-ever estimate of what was termed “the hidden prevalence” of the duality of domestic violence and personal substance abuse.
However, they said the figure of 11,000 was also “a highly conservative estimate”.
It also estimated that at least 48,000 women in the Republic who had used substances in 2020 had experienced such challenges at some stage in their lifetime.
The report was published by the Davina Project, established by Saol, a woman-only addiction support service located in Dublin’s north inner city.
The report’s authors said they sought to understand the unique needs of women who experience both substance use and domestic violence.
The study analysed figures provided by various sources including the Health Research Board, the Central Statistics Office, gardaí and the European Monitoring Centre for Drug and Drug Addiction.
It estimated that over 287,000 Irish women suffered from alcohol or drug abuse in 2020 with the number also experiencing domestic violence ranging from 6,169 to 11,058.
“Women who endure violence in their homes and who use substances are unseen and their needs unknown,” the report observed.
It added: “They are forced to experience a duality of secrecy for the protection of themselves and their children.”
The report said its findings provided evidence of the needs for “accessible, targeted and specific interventions.”
A review of international literature on the issue conducted as part of the research found that women who use substances and experience domestic violence also suffer additional depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
“They have additional challenges with sexual wellbeing, infectious diseases and reproductive health,” the report noted.
It said such women expressed fear that domestic violence would also be experienced by their children.
The report added: “Motherhood, pregnancy and loss of care of children was also a constant fear and a barrier to accessing services.”
Researchers from TCD’s School of Nursing and Midwifery observed that An Garda Síochána believe the actual number of incidents of domestic violence is much higher than that reported to gardaí.
Among the report’s recommendations were the need for additional, enhanced and targeted trauma informed services.
It also recommended ongoing professional development in the signs and symptoms of domestic violence for frontline health and social services staff as well as increased transitional housing to be specifically allocated to women with children who suffered substance abuse and domestic violence.
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