Substance Misuse and Victimization

In this portion of the module we will discuss the impact of substance misuse on Aboriginal society and Aboriginal offenders.

• why it is important to express these experiences in sentencing submissions to the courts on behalf of Aboriginal Offenders.

Major risk factors for substance, especially for adolescents, include:

• victimization experiences, including physical or sexual assault
• familial substance use, where family members and members of the offenders community creates a major risk of substance misuse.
• posttraumatic reactions also create an increased risk of marijuana and hard drug misuse/dependence.
• Substance misuse is identified as a coping mechanism for these risk factors.

You are likely familiar already with much of the material and research regarding this very complex issue. Keep in mind that sentences are to be constructed in accordance with section 718; it may now be a valid assumption that the Judge is as familiar with this issue as you are.