Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Providers of alcohol and substance abuse (ASA) treatment find themselves frustrated in their attempt to provide services to a population of women that often bring histories of intimate partner violence (IPV). This paper addresses the organizational barriers and how ASA programs use their organizational culture and structure to increase their readiness to address issues of IPV. Four ASA programs which address intimate partner violence in varying ways provided qualitative data through focus groups with administrators, staff and clients. An organizational culture characterized by a mission consistent with addressing IPV, cohesiveness and positive perception of the environment they operate in promotes readiness. Organizational culture is reflected in structural characteristics that promote readiness to address IPV. Programs use both centralization and autonomy creatively to access services. Flexibility and dense communication patterns both internally and with stakeholders in the community promote readiness. These findings suggest organizationally-based strategies to promote readiness to address IPV.