Caerphilly praised for substance misuse/domestic abuse service provision

The Safer Caerphilly Community Safety Partnership has been commended for the provision of a service dedicated to addressing instances of domestic abuse that also involve alcohol or other substance misuse.

The specialist Substance Misuse/Domestic Abuse service was introduced to the Safer Caerphilly Multi Agency Centre (MAC), the county borough's one-stop-shop for victims of domestic abuse and their families last year, and has since proven to be an extremely valuable addition to the frontline services offered at the Safer Caerphilly MAC.

In a recent six monthly review of substance misuse service provision in Caerphilly county borough, the Welsh Assembly Government identified the dedicated substance misuse/domestic abuse provision in the Caerphilly county borough as an example of best practice.

To date the specialist substance misuse/domestic abuse worker, who is based partly with the Safer Caerphilly MAC and partly with the Gwent Alcohol Project (GAP), has worked with 78 people to address the identified issues.

Cabinet member for the environment, Cllr Lyn Ackerman said, "This valuable addition to the team has enabled us to provide a more holistic service to those affected by domestic abuse and substance misuse in the borough.

Many of the domestic abuse cases received by the Safer Caerphilly MAC indicate the need for intervention and support from a specialist in substance and alcohol misuse, therefore this additional service is going a long way to helping us provide this vital support to victims of domestic abuse."

The substance misuse/domestic abuse service extends not only to adults affected by domestic abuse in the area, but also where children or young people within the family are identified and are misusing substances.

Caerphilly's Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) who works with victims of domestic abuse classed as being at high or very high risk estimates that 60% of the clients have alcohol or drug related issues.

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, please contact the Safer Caerphilly Multi Agency Centre (MAC) on 01443 819 317 during office hours, or the 24 hour All Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 80 10 800.