What Is the Social Workers Intervention in Handling Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is the use of power and control by one partner over another in an intimate relationship. The dominant partner uses physical, sexual, emotional, psychological abuse and economic control as means to manipulate the subordinate partner. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, women are the majority of victims in domestic violence. In 2008, 4.3 female victims per 1,000, as opposed to 0.8 male victims per 1,000, were reported. Social workers have a significant role to play, intervening in domestic violence situations.
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Screening for Intimate Partner Violence
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Social workers screen men and women who enter treatment facilities for abuse, alcohol and drug related problems to determine signs of domestic violence. They address questions concerning alcohol consumption, illegal drug use, gun ownership in the home, emotional and physical abuse, control, and the treatment of children. The questions asked also draw the attention of the patient to potential and imminent danger in such an environment. Social workers assess the situation and implement intervention.
Assessment of Victim's Case
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If the evidence indicates domestic violence, the caseworker analyzes the situation in an attempt to prevent further abuse---necessary to protect the victim's life and well-being. The caseworker assesses the victim's situation: pattern and frequency of abuse, exigent needs, the effect of abuse on emotional and physical health, future endangerment to life, access to support organizations for the abused. The social worker does not resolve the issues, but rather provides support, counseling and therapy for the victim.
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Intervention for the Victim
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The social worker initiates a prevention and safety plan for the abused victim. The caseworker educates the victim about emergency shelters, domestic violence hotlines, protection orders and financial independence. The safety plan includes the following: finding a safe exit in the home in case of immediate danger, coordinating coded messages with trusted friends or relatives to call 911, preparing ahead and taking along identification documents in urgent situations, relocating with the children to an emergency refuge.
Treatment and Consequence for Abusers
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The social worker can assign the abusive partner to a rehabilitation program---either through court mandated orders or voluntary participation. The program attempts to rehabilitate the perpetuator's attitude and behavior, eradicating violent reactions. Facilitators teach social problem-solving skills and communication techniques. At other times, the consequence for the abuser is incarceration. Assault, harassment, coercion, rape are criminal acts, and each state warrants punishment according to its laws.
Intervention for Children who Witness Domestic Violence
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Children who witness violence in the home may suffer emotional, social and psychological setbacks. Social workers screen children who enter emergency shelters with their mothers for trauma. Identifying the child, assessing the situation and providing therapy are actions for intervention. Social workers attempt to make children understand that the violence is not their fault. They work with the children to achieve effective social and coping skills and to maintain a healthy, stable relationship with the non-abusive parent.
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References
- Bureau of Justice Statistics: Female Victims of Violence
- Social Work Today: Reducing the Risk of Domestic Homicide
- National Association of Social Workers: Domestic Violence Assessment and Intervention Provided by the Family Violence Prevention Fund
- Social Workers: How Social Workers Help: Working with Male Batterers
- Women's Law: Domestic Violence
Resources
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