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Overview
Rowan Williams, Women's Services Development Manager, Oxfordshire DAAT
is developing drug services aimed at women in Oxfordshire. The DAAT aims
to identify gaps in service provision and support needs specific to drug
using women. This work, along with the recommendations from local research
and extensive stakeholder consultations, will inform the development of
a new drug treatment service aimed at women. The new service will be commissioned
by Oxfordshire DAAT in 2006-7.
National Research - key issues
- Existing research evidence shows that between one-quarter and one-third
of adult problem drug users in England are women and that this ration
has remained relatively constant over recent years
- Overall women do not appear to be under-represented in drug treatment
services in England
- The 3:1 ratio is not universal - higher prevalence rates are found
in younger using cohorts - regional variations exist in the UK and internationally
- one study shows women constituting 50% of drug using population, while
others show elevated risks of blood borne virus infections (OTIS shows
29% of those accessing treatment in 2005-6 were female)
- Issues drug using women face may not be adequately addressed in current
treatment service configurations
- NTORS (National Treatment Outcome Research Study) is indicating that
women are reporting more frequent cocaine use, greater health problems,
increased likelihood of having a drug using partner and child care responsibilities
(from Best D. and Abdulrahim D. (2005) Women in Drug Treatment Services
National Treatment Agency: London)
Local Research - informing DAAT planning
Street-based sexworkers in Oxford City
- In 2005 Caroline Haworth, Stimulants Research and Development Manager,
Oxfordshire DAAT, began a research project studying the needs of street-based
sex workers in Oxford City. Caroline has conducted in-depth, qualitative
interviews with sex workers in order to gain a better understanding
of the patterns of street based sex work in the city. This research
will provide a service development outline in order to try and engage
and meet the needs of this particular group of women. The research will
be published in 2006.
Community Action Development (CAD) Projects into Women's Needs
- In 2005 CAD worked with the University of Central Lancashire to conduct
research into the needs of drug using women living in Blackbird Leys.
Project volunteers were trained in research techniques by the University
and were assisted in designing and completing the research. A project
report is available.
- In May 2006 CAD will undertake a study with support from the Crime
Reduction Initiative's Street Services Team into the needs of homeless
women in Oxford City. Volunteers will conduct in-depth interviews with
15 female entrenched rough sleepers. Two volunteers will conduct interviews
and two will offer complementary therapies to respondents following
the interview.
For further information on these projects please contact Colleen Mitchell
on Colleen.Mitchell@Oxfordshire.gov.uk
Women's Services Development
Oxfordshire DAAT is in the process of conducting a number of stakeholder
consultations. These will be aimed at professionals and service users
and carers.
For further information please contact:
Rowan Williams
Women's Services Development Manager
Oxfordshire DAAT
29 New Inn Hall Street
Oxford
OX1 2DH
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