Information Memorandum on the Intersection of Domestic Violence, Mental Health, and Substance Use

Publication Date: October 23, 2019
Current as of:

There are high rates of domestic violence among people seen in mental health and substance use disorder treatment settings, and it has long been recognized that domestic violence can have significant mental health and substance use-related effects. However, there exists a lack of collaboration, coordination, and partnership by and between these three service systems on the state and local levels. To assist in addressing this gap, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) have issued an Information Memorandum, SAMHSA and ACF Information Memorandum Working at the Intersections of DV, Substance Use, and Mental Health, calling for increased collaboration between domestic violence, mental health and substance use disorder treatment service providers and systems.

In addition to accessing and sharing the IM with your networks, listen to this webinar recording designed for State Mental Health and State Substance Use Disorder Treatment Directors and staff; State Family Violence Prevention and Services Administrators and staff; State, Territory and Tribal Domestic and Sexual Violence Coalitions; and organizations and practitioners working in the domestic and sexual violence, mental health, and substance use disorder treatment and recovery fields. The webinar introduces key issues highlighted in the IM, along with recommendations, a media toolkit, and resources for supporting individuals and families experiencing domestic violence.