SWTP620: Ethics and Theories for Social Work - Client Group Report

This report examines ethical considerations in social work, focusing on the client group of women experiencing violence from male partners. It begins with a general argument for the importance of ethical philosophies in social work, emphasizing their role in guiding ethical decisions and achieving social objectives. The report then outlines an ethical dilemma faced by Australian social workers in this context, specifically concerning motivating women to address domestic violence. Two ethical philosophies, rights and virtue ethics, are analyzed, along with the PLUS ethical decision-making model. The application of these theories and the model to the ethical dilemma is discussed, highlighting how social workers can use them to protect women's rights, assess character, and consider political, legal, universal, and self-related factors when making decisions. The report concludes by emphasizing the significance of ethical frameworks in social work practice to promote ethical decision-making and achieve social goals.