(Published October 1, 2022)
Substance use and mental health concerns impact many areas of daily life, including individuals’ risk of experiencing domestic violence in an intimate partner relationship. If you or a loved one are experiencing domestic violence or have concerns about substance use or mental health, Your Life Iowa is here to support you.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 35.3% percent of women and 29.3% of men in Iowa have experienced domestic violence. Multiple forms of abuse are usually present at the same time in abusive situations. Heavy drug and alcohol use make incidents of domestic violence 11 times more likely for both victims and abusers, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine. Women who have experienced intimate partner violence are 15 times more likely to develop alcohol use disorder and nine times more likely to abuse drugs; as much as 90 percent of female victims of domestic abuse have significant mental health issues.
Substance use, mental health concerns and domestic violence are intricately intertwined for many Iowans. Your Life Iowa is the trusted 24/7 resource for questions or concerns about substance use, gambling, mental health or suicidal thoughts. YLI respects the courage it takes to reach out. There is no judgment, just help.
Contact Your Life Iowa by phone at (855) 581-8111, text at (855) 895-8398 or live chat here. Services are available 24/7/365 and are free of charge.
Sources
How Addiction and Mental Health Factor Into Domestic Violence. https://www.tpoftampa.com/addiction-mental-health-domestic-violence/
The Connection Between Domestic Violence and Addiction. https://sobernation.com/domestic-violence-and-addiction/ Domestic Violence in Iowa.
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2497/ncadv_iowa_fact_sheet_2020.pdf
National Domestic Violence Hotline. https://www.thehotline.org/