Hidden Tactics of Domestic Violence: Substance Use Coercion

In this episode we sit down with researchers and practitioners to explore the complex intersection of substance use, coercion, and family violence. Monique Yeoman from Kids First Australia and Emma Shaw from Odyssey Victoria join us alongside academics Professor Cathy Humphreys and Van Callaly from the University of Melbourne and CEVAW to unpack how alcohol and other drugs can be weaponised as tools of control in abusive relationships.

The conversation moves beyond traditional understandings of substance abuse to examine how alcohol and drugs become instruments of coercive control - used by perpetrators to extend abuse and violence. Through real-world examples from clinical practice, the panel illustrates what substance use coercion looks like in families' everyday lives and why it presents unique challenges for practitioners working to keep children and families safe.

This episode offers crucial insights for anyone working in child and family services, domestic violence support, or substance use treatment, highlighting the importance of recognising these patterns and responding with informed, trauma-sensitive approaches.

To hear more from these guests about this topic, please watch the WorkUP SPARK webinar, Strengthening Queensland’s Response to Substance Use Coercion: https://workupqld.org.au/resource-hub-develop-the-workforce/#workshop-videos

Guests

• Monique Yeoman, General Manager, Child Youth and Family Services, Kids First Australia
• Emma Shaw, Clinical Manager Child, Youth and Families, Odyssey Victoria
• Professor Cathy Humphreys, CEVAW Chief Investigator, The University of Melbourne
• Van Callaly, CEVAW Research Fellow, The University of Melbourne

Triple Zero (000) in an emergency/immediate threat to life

1800RESPECT call 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732

13 YARN call 13 92 76, crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline call 1800 497 212

Men’s Referral Service call 1300 766 491

Find international help

National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline 1800 250 015

Mayshak, R., Curtis, A., Coomber, K., Tonner, L., Walker, A., Hyder, S., Liknaitzky, P., & Miller, P. (2022). Alcohol-Involved Family and Domestic Violence Reported to Police in Australia. Journal of interpersonal violence, 37(3-4), NP1658–NP1685. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260520928633

Kertesz, M., Humphreys, C., Fogden, L., Scott, K., Laslett, A. M., & Tsantefski, M. (2022). KODY, an all-of-family response to co-occurring substance use and domestic violence: protocol for a quasi-experimental intervention trial. BMC public health, 22(1), 291. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-12529-x

KODY Caring Dads - https://www.kidsfirstaustralia.org.au/program/the-kody-project/

Respectful Relationships and the Caring Dads Program - https://odyssey.org.au/respectful-relationships-and-the-caring-dads-program/