The societal consequences of substance abuse and gender-based violence: A critical approach

Abstract

This research article examines how substance abuse and gender-based violence (GBV) jointly harms contemporary society. Methods which are conducted are a scoping review of peer-reviewed studies, reports, and recent statistics, summarising quantitative results and thematically analysing qualitative evidence. Some of the findings are heavy alcohol use and common illicit drugs which frequently cooccur with intimate partner and sexual violence. Mechanisms include intoxication-related aggression, substance-driven household stress and financial strain, and reduced help seeking by affected persons. Some of the consequences include increased pressure on health and justice systems, economic losses, mental-health burdens, and intergenerational trauma. Gaps identified include fragmented services, limited integrated care for co-occurring problems, and stigma. The solutions recommended integrated, multi-sectoral responses-coordinated substance-use treatment with survivor-centred GBV services, routine cross-screening, cross-sector training, and expansion of lowbarrier integrated programmes, supported by policy reforms to improve coordination and funding. Addressing substance abuse and GBV together should reduce harms and improve social outcomes.