Supporting Domestic Violence Social Workers 

Domestic violence, sometimes referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV), is a complex and pervasive problem that affects millions. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 41 percent of women and 26 percent of men have experienced domestic violence and reported it at some point in their lives.

Domestic violence and the fear, uncertainty, and despair that go with it can happen to anyone. It can start with verbal abuse, controlling behavior and threats, and then quickly escalate. Physical or sexual violence, stalking or psychological abuse — whether by a parent, sibling, spouse or partner — can wreak havoc on a person’s life. Domestic violence threatens physical health; takes a heavy toll on self-worth; and can lead to anxiety, depression and feelings of helplessness. Additionally, by denying people a sense of safety, domestic violence creates long-lasting emotional scars. Research suggests that domestic violence can also harm witnesses. A disturbing finding suggests that children who grow up around domestic violence suffer similar risks to their mental health and well-being as those who experience domestic violence directly.

Domestic Violence Social Workers

A small army of social workers specialize in this terrible social disorder. Domestic violence social workers are tasked with helping those who have experienced domestic violence or IPV rebuild their lives and, in addition, are tasked with preventing continued intimate partner violence. Working with intimate partner violence is complex and challenging and places an emotional, psychic, and physical burden directly on the social worker’s shoulders. IPV social workers require a stable, professional work environment to support their efforts. In other words, they need all the help they can get.

Everyone is at Risk

Intimate partner violence is seldom an isolated incident. Instead, the violence continually recurs. Unconsidered risk management plans and wrong decisions can lead to devastating consequences for victims. Domestic violence social workers are now using relatively new risk assessment instruments to assess risks of future violence. Attempts at preventing recurring domestic violence require a complex and somewhat tricky collaboration with other appropriate authorities.

• Social workers must initially assess risk based on the victim’s information.
• Next, they must collaborate with all appropriate authorities on a joint risk management plan.
• Then, use the risk assessment plan to guide risk management.

In cases where collaboration is necessary, both the risk assessment and risk management plan must be shared with other actors, such as the police and healthcare professionals.

Collaboration

The help and support needed to protect victims can involve many resources and actors. Addressing intimate partner violence lies at the intersection between social work (social support) and the law enforcement system (police and court). Research has indicated that violence prevention through collaboration between social workers and law enforcement professionals is challenging due to differences in their professional cultures. Well-functioning internal and external collaboration is connected to trust, manageable stress levels and open, straightforward communication.

Professional Support

The complexity of the task and the high risk of failure put almost unbearable pressure on the Domestic Violence Social Worker. The profession has evolved a support system that must be adhered to ensure every chance of success. All agencies must take care to:

• Insure that IPV social workers are sharing responsibility with others in complex decision-making processes.
• Provide easy access to established networks with other actors.
• Create a workplace with solid routines and structures such as a constructive organizational culture, including social and supervisory support and a manageable workload.
• Arrange for the opportunity to work in pairs whenever possible.
• Supply ready access to supervision, a mentor, or communal support from senior colleagues.
• Arrange regular meetings and discussion forums.
• Establish workplace routines and guidelines to see that experience and routine counteract emotional strain.
• Supply access to experienced colleagues who willingly share their experiences. This collaboration contributes to an organizationally constructive environment that generates confidence and well-being.
• Good documentation of practices and tools for risk assessment, along with guides for conducting conversations and errands.
• Ensure that collaborations work well when the communications are clear and follow straightforward paths.

We cannot fail these brave and dedicated men and women who take on this daunting task. We must give them every chance to succeed.