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First contact social work : Responding to domestic and family violence
Mandara, Mia Wendt, Sarah McLaren, Helen Jones, Michelle Dunk-West, Priscilla Seymour, Kate
Mandara, Mia
Wendt, Sarah
McLaren, Helen
Jones, Michelle
Dunk-West, Priscilla
Seymour, Kate
Abstract
Domestic and family violence (DFV) is a pervasive social problem that social workers often encounter in practice. Responses to DFV require specialist and non-specialist services. Research suggests that first contact social workers can experience a lack of confidence, both in engaging with men who use violence and working with women and children who disclose experiencing violence. This article reports on the findings of an Australian survey (N = 100) that sought to identify the knowledge and practice skills that social workers draw on when they are the first responders to DFV. The survey invited qualified social worker participants from all sectors across Australia through the national online bulletins of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and Child Family Community Australia (CFCA). Whilst 28% of the respondents demonstrated working in specialist DFV and child protection sectors, 72% worked in other sectors. The research found that most participants recognised signs of DFV, but responses were mainly focused on referring women victims to practical or accommodation support, and children to psychological support. Responding to perpetrators was rarely mentioned. Equipping non-specialist DFV practitioners with knowledge and skills to respond safely can create an opportunity for engagement, earlier intervention, and increased interagency collaboration with specialist services.
IMPLICATIONS
• Social workers need to be able to recognise domestic and family violence and know how to respond when it presents itself in their work contexts.
• Continuing professional development in domestic and family violence is required in social work so practitioners can maintain, improve, and broaden their knowledge and skills as first responders.
Keywords
social work, domestic and family violence, practice knowledge
Date
2023
Type
Journal article
Journal
Australian Social Work
Book
Volume
76
Issue
4
Page Range
589-602
Article Number
ACU Department
Faculty of Health Sciences
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled
Notes
© 2021 Australian Association of Social Workers.