An introduction to the intertwinement of trauma and substance use. Which comes first? How do abusers use substances against survivors? Why can’t we just separate the issues?

1. Understand that substance use does not cause sexual assault or domestic violence.
2. Learn the reasons survivors turn to substance use to cope with the trauma they have experienced.
3. Learn how substances are used as a weapon to control, manipulate, and facilitate harm.

Christina Love (she/her/hers)
Senior Specialist, Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Christina Love is an Alaska Native from Egegik village who was raised in Chitina, Alaska. She is a consultant, recovery coach and civil and human rights activist, while dedicating the last 7 years to systems change for targeted and marginalized populations in Alaska. She is a formerly incarcerated person in long term recovery who currently works as a Specialist for the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (ANDVSA), the state’s coalition of domestic and sexual violence programs. Christina's role focuses on intersectionality with an emphasis on trauma and substance use at ANDVSA. Christina works with programs, agencies, and communities state and nationwide to address the continuum of care for support services through strategic initiatives, substance use screening, training and technical assistance, community-based organization, integrated services, curriculum development, evaluation, assessment, and organizational and community healing.