Hounslow is leading the fight against domestic violence and substance misuse, according to a top health agency.
The Stella Project, which raises awareness of the connection between the two problems, hailed the borough as an example of good practice in a recent report.
Hounslow was highlighted as one of only four London boroughs working at the highest level, the study showed, and has taken specific action to address their relationship.
Karen Bailey, deputy director of the Greater London Domestic Violence Project, said: "Hounslow Council has been working to improve partnership work between the substance misuse and domestic violence agencies for a number of years now and are lucky to have an excel-lent agency EACH, which is able to work with both issues under one roof.
"In our recent research report, Innovative Responses, Hounslow features as one of the top boroughs in London in terms of formalising partnership working through a service level agreement."
The Stella Project was formed by Greater London Domestic Violence Project (GLDVP) and the Greater London Alcohol and Drug Alliance (GLADA).
One of its guiding principles is that drug or alcohol use should never be accepted as an excuse for violent or abusive behaviour.
Gayatri Shah, from the Hounslow branch of The Pukaar Project supporting Asian women and young girls who are victims of violence, said: "I am very proud that the borough has been recognised for its work. I think Hounslow has come a long way.
"We've got so many projects which are working towards victim survival, such as the Sanctuary Project which allows people to stay in their own homes by increasing security."
Cllr Phil Andrews, lead member for housing and community safety, also welcomed the plaudits.
"We work hard with partner organisations to help victims of domestic violence," he said. "By working with other agencies we are able to offer a broader range of support to help them get on with their lives."
