Informing service responses to co-occurring complex needs

Purpose: The sexual assault and alcohol and other drug (AOD) sectors have much in common in the context of clients presenting with histories of abuse and trauma. The Establishing the Connection project aimed to improve understanding of the complex intersections between sexual victimisation and AOD use, and to build the capacity of the sexual assault and AOD sectors in Victoria, Australia, to respond more effectively to the needs of affected individuals. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach: Establishing the Connection involved a detailed literature review; face-to-face semi-structured interviews and an online quantitative survey with key stakeholders from the AOD and sexual assault sectors; and a cross-sector forum to bring together the practice knowledge and needs of both sectors. Findings: Most practitioners and clinicians were aware of the interrelationship between sexual victimisation and AOD use, but many lacked access to resources, formal referral processes and pathways, or information about how the other sector worked – all tools which would assist them to respond to clients with complex co-occurring issues. Participants expressed enthusiasm for greater cross-sector communication and collaboration, but emphasised the need for sophisticated governance and resourcing responses from peak bodies and government departments. Originality/value: The new knowledge generated by this research resulted in the development of shared practice guidelines to guide practice towards the identification, assessment, response and referral of clients with co-occurring sexual victimisation and AOD use issues. The authors hope that the momentum and goodwill built between the two sectors will be harnessed by policy to drive further collaborative partnerships into the future.