Women grappling with substance addiction frequently endure intimate partner abuse, exacerbating their challenges and impeding recovery, according to experts from Verdun and Marina House treatment centers. Allison Gotip, Clinical Services Director, highlighted that many women are trapped in cycles of addiction due to isolation enforced by abusive partners. These women often become invisible to society, confined to their homes, where they are exploited and deprived of opportunities to seek help. Gotip emphasized that women’s addiction cases are typically more severe than men’s, compounded by trauma from domestic violence. Marina House was established to provide a safe, gender-separated environment for women to heal, as mixed-gender settings can trigger trauma responses. Additionally, societal expectations and childcare responsibilities further hinder women from accessing treatment. Despite their struggles, women are often criticized by family members for prioritizing their recovery, underscoring the need for supportive family therapy programs to facilitate their healing journey.