Prevalence and Risk Factors for Client Violence toward Social Workers

1996 ◽  
Vol 77 (8) ◽  
pp. 488-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina E. Newhill

The author reports findings from a random survey of National Association of Social Workers members from two states examining the prevalence, nature, and risk factors of client violence toward social workers. A majority of persons surveyed experienced client violence, with gender and setting as significant variables in determining risk. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-89
Author(s):  
Jae-Yong Lee ◽  
Soo-Cheon Yi

2021 ◽  
pp. 146801732110091
Author(s):  
Alessandro Sicora ◽  
Urban Nothdurfter ◽  
Barbara Rosina ◽  
Mara Sanfelici

Summary Client violence in social services is perceived as constantly increasing in Italy, raising deep concern. This article presents the results of the first online survey on the phenomenon. Involving 20,112 social workers, the aim was to determine the prevalence and forms of client violence towards social workers and to identify key factors associated with such events. Findings The results suggest that the vast majority of Italian social workers experience client violence during their careers. Verbal aggression and threats were most common forms of violence, followed by physical attacks and property damage. Young and less experienced social workers appeared more likely to be victims of violence, as well as those who more frequently work in isolation or without their colleagues’ support. Social workers in child protection services, services for adults and municipality services accessible to the entire population were found to be at higher risk of client violence. The social workers considered the quality of the client/professional relationship and communication skills to be critical in preventing and dealing with aggression by users. Unfulfilled clients’ expectation was considered to be one of the main factors contributing to frustration and the consequent hostile behaviour. Applications Violence against social workers is a ‘wake-up call’ that makes the weakening of welfare services, and therefore of professional social work, more visible. The first nationwide study on service user violence reported by this paper may significantly contribute to raising awareness about the phenomenon in Italy and to the devising of effective prevention programmes.


2008 ◽  
Vol 89 (4) ◽  
pp. 578-586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ray Woodcock

The first three, brief sections of the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers (1999) display striking inconsistency of content and uncertainty of purpose. The decision to incorporate those sections into a single code document along with the lengthy fourth section (Ethical Standards) appears to have contributed to their imperfection. The mission statement and the ethical principles, in particular, may develop better if they are divided into separate documents, each with its own distinct purpose. Such a development might help reduce the extent to which social workers must rely upon individualistic rather than shared wisdom in responding to common ethical issues.


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