Domestic Violence In Social Work

Domestic violence has now more than ever become an increasing problem with three-quarters of all women killed in New South Wales dying at the hands of an intimate partner (Phillips & Park, 2006). Domestic violence is defined as ‘ongoing physical, emotional, social, financial and/or sexual abuse used to exert control and power by one partner over another in an adult relationship’ (Buchanan, 2008, p. 2). The media often constructs domestic violence in such a way that it conveys a two-fold message on the issue. On the one hand, it uses language to express myths that tend to put the blame on the victims, as opposed to the offenders; these myths reduce the compassion for the victims involved and extrapolate unjust conclusions about the individuals’

As social workers are working with oppressed perspectives and policies it makes it difficult to engage with clients, particularly those from vulnerable groups. Furthermore, working with such deeply embedded perceptions that have come about culturally and socially makes it difficult to interact with women that have been disempowered, as a result of the control and power exerted over them by their partners. Being aware of this is useful for future practice as a social worker because it will allow us to establish more effective and supportive relationships with women experiencing domestic violence. Additionally, it will assist in challenging the ‘crazy’ stereotypes attached to domestic violence victims and to recognise that any symptoms they are experiencing is a result of the abuse. Moreover, being aware of the use of language and not blaming the victim, as often financial constraints force the victim to stay with the offender or return to him. Our society has focused on getting the victim away from the offender, but have provided very little financial assistance to allow her to remain independent. Even more, by looking at this issue from a macro level could help to address this issue for individuals at a micro level, by aiming interventions at a community level and looking to implement policies that will create a society that is less tolerant of domestic