Overview.

Statistics derived from the most recent annual Child in Need Census, published in October 2023, list domestic violence and abuse (DVA) as one of the most common relevant factors being recorded at the end of assessments. As such DVA is a key issue in child and family social work. But are social workers given the knowledge and skills they need to be able to recognise and respond appropriately to DVA when confronted with it in practice?

This is a question at the heart of an ongoing research project at the University of Northampton. The overall aim is to: critically investigate the values, norms and assumptions of social work students, practitioners, and academics in relation to DVA to develop an evidence-based challenge to the level of DVA education newly qualified child and family social workers have generally received.

 

The first phase of data collection was an online survey asking BA Students whether they had previous experience working with DVA, whether they had received education about DVA on their social work programmes and whether they felt confident about working with DVA. The objective being to explore students’ experiences to help answer the question ‘How are child and family social workers prepared to work with DVA?’.

The second phase of data collection is now underway. Qualified social workers are being asked to share their experiences of education and practice relating to DVA. The objective is to continue trying to answer the question of how social workers are prepared but also to gain a richer understanding of whether practitioners feel they were adequately prepared by their own social work programmes.

 

If you are a Qualified Social Worker and can spare ten minutes, please scan the QR code to access the survey:

 

 

Please email nicci.vella@northampton.ac.uk if you would be willing to take part in an interview on the subject of Social Work Education & DVA.