Social work interventions to address domestic violence

Abstract

There is a high rate of domestic violence worldwide and most of the victims of abuse are women. South Africa is no exception to this and it is estimated that one out of three women worldwide experiences domestic violence in her lifetime. Social work plays a role in addressing domestic violence. Therefore, the goal of the study was to explore and describe social work interventions to address domestic violence in Sedibeng District. The researcher conducted this study using a qualitative approach. The study was applied and explorative in nature and utilised an instrumental case study design. Ten social workers employed in different non-profit organisations in Sedibeng District were purposefully selected to participate in the study. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews guided by an interview schedule. Findings indicated that some social workers lacked information about domestic violence and requisite interventions, which was a challenge to service rendering to women victims of domestic violence. As, findings indicated that the commonly used strategies among the social workers include counselling, awareness, support groups and referrals. Furthermore, few participants were very elaborate about their roles in helping women victims of domestic violence. These roles are limited to; educator, facilitator and advocacy. Also, findings showed that lack of resources was a major challenge in social work interventions in addressing domestic violence. This study concludes that social workers do not have enough resources at their disposal and lack adequate information on domestic violence. As a result, they do not fully understand their roles and fail to assist women victims of domestic violence. To overcome the challenges faced by social workers when rendering services to victims of domestic violence, it is recommended that the Department of Social Development and other role players should avail enough resources. These include vehicles, office equipment such as telephones and computers, and shelters for the victims. There is also a need for the social workers to be continuously trained on domestic violence and the best intervention strategies.