Importance of Social Workers in Domestic Abuse Prevention

Running head: Significance of Social Workers in Domestic Abuse Prevention
Working Title: Significance of Social Workers in Domestic Abuse Prevention

Importance of Social Workers in Domestic Abuse Prevention2
Introduction
Domestic abuse is a worldwide phenomenon. In fact, it is found in almost all society
irrespective of economic, social strata or ethnic groups. The issue of domestic abuse is often
viewed in the context of developing countries where gender inequality is usually very high.
However, it can be claimed that the issue of domestic abuse cannot be categorised based on
developed or developing economies. It is evident from the fact that even in developed
countries like the United States women are ascertained to experience six times more violence
by intimate partners than men. Domestic violence exists in various forms including acts of
bodily or sexual abuse such as forced rape harassment, as well as emotional violence
(Boodeppa, Dhavaleshwar & Banasode, 2015).
Over the several years, social employees have been engaged in resolving the issue of
domestic abuse. Notably, domestic abuse has emerged as a severe public health problem and
a multi-dimensional problem that requires a comprehensive understanding (Black, Weisz, &
Bennett, 2010). Social workers are ascertained to play an imperative part in domestic abuse
intervention. In this regard, social workers by helping to detect perilous behaviours and
generating public awareness about the defensive elements through campaign design and
delivery are observed to play instrumental role in domestic violence intervention. Despite the
increasing role played by the social workers in violence prevention, their role in helping the
victims of the domestic abuse is still not well understood (Rita, 2010). Correspondingly, the
proposed research study is significant to develop valuable understanding about the role of
community employees in the domestic abuse intervention. It is anticipated that the clear
understanding of their role in violence prevention would help them to develop more effective
strategies and plan to help the victims of domestic abuse.
Rationale of the Study
The proposed study is directed to acquire an in-depth and holistic knowledge and
understanding about the role of community employees in domestic abuse prevention.
Besides, the proposed study intends to develop valuable understanding about the community
work behaviour and education in the domestic violence prevention. Moreover, the proposed
study is considered to be important as it lends voice to those women who have faced
oppression and subjugation in the society.

Importance of Social Workers in Domestic Abuse Prevention3
Research purpose and Goals
The aim of this proposed research study is to investigate the role of the soil worker in
domestic violence interventions. The following sections elaborate the goals for the proposed
research stud. These goals are:
 To assess the importance of community workers in domestic abuse intervention
 To evaluate problem in domestic violence prevention
 To give voice to the oppressed women and victims of domestic violence survivors
Research Question
How do social workers help in domestic violence prevention?
Literature Review and Theoretical framework
As per Crabtree-Nelson, Grossman & Lundy (2016), domestic abuse is a major public
health issue which is claimed to affect the communities in the society at an alarming arte.
Accordingly, they argue that one out of every three females is vulnerable to experience the
episode of domestic abuse in her lifetime. In fact, it has been reported that women victims of
domestic violence experiences more than 2 million injuries due to domestic abuse. At the
same time, women between the age 16-24 years are claimed to be at the greatest risks of
domestic abuse (Crabtree-Nelson, Grossman & Lundy, 2016).
As per Messing & Thaller (2014) comminity workers are more likely to face with the
domestic abuse survivors or perpetrators because of the negative consequences of such
episode on physical and mental health of victims. In the similar context, several researchers
in the past have attempted uncover the importance of community workers in preventing the
domestic abuse. In this regard, Hester (2011) acknowledge that community workers make
sure that social justice is provided to the survivors of the domestic abuse. The author further
acknowledges women and children are the worst affected by the episode of domestic
violence. The author also stressed that the domestic violence has significant consequences on
the physical and mental health of the victims. Notably, the author argues in such
circumstances social workers ensure that rights of the victims are not violated as well as they
ensure that those perpetrators that are engaged in domestic violence are penalised for such
behaviour and action against the women. Likewise, Hester, Westmarland & Kelly (2012)

Importance of Social Workers in Domestic Abuse Prevention4
affirms that community workers in the past have played vital role addressing the challenges
and issues of domestic violence. In this regard, they stated that social workers use variety of
intervention measures to protect the victims of the domestic abuse. They use educational
programme and campaigns to generate awareness about the negative consequences of
domestic abuse as well as educate the family members about the mental and physical
implications of domestic abuse to prevent violence.
Stanley, Miller, Foster & Thomson (2010) further argues that social workers plays
instrumental role in changing the behaviours of the perpetrators of domestic abuse. Even
though it has been contended that changing human behaviour is complex and challenging but
it is stated that social workers through regular counselling and rehabilitation programmes are
able to influence the behaviours of perpetrators positively. At the same time, Kennedy,
Bybee, Sullivan & Greeson (2010) acknowledges that in order bring changes in the
behaviours of those involved in the domestic abuse also act as lobbyist. In addition, it has
been claimed that the domestic violence by intimate partner not only have direct impact on
other partner but it also has negative impact on the children witnessing such episode.
Correspondingly, social workers also ensure support for children and help in reducing the
stress experienced by them. McGavock & Spratt (2012) asserts that domestic violence can
lead to development of suicidal thoughts in the minds of the victims. However, social
workers are claimed to help them to overcome mental stress through effective stress
management techniques as well as educate them about the power of positivity, which has
proven to be highly effective in inculcating positive feelings and hope while eliminating
negative thoughts. Yechezkel &Ayalon (2013) demonstrated similar view and stated that use
of therapeutic interventions and legal interventions help victims to overcome the negative
thoughts and promote welfare of vulnerable individuals and families.
Nonetheless, Crabtree-Nelson, Grossman & Lundy (2016) further claimed that though
social workers plays imperative role in tackling the challenges of domestic violence. Besides,
relying on social workers alone for introducing possible intervention to prevent the domestic
violence is difficult and challenging. This implies that social workers need to demonstrate
greater efforts and use expertise that they have developed to deal with the issue of domestic
abuse.
Theoretical Framework