Domestic Abuse is a common issue within our Social Work Practice. Social Workers are skilled at working with the whole family. The guide and links in this section provides access to tools to identify domestic abuse/violence and to work directly with children and young people affected by domestic abuse in the home as well as parents and perpetrators to encourage parents to see the world how their children do, motivate parents to change the situation and engage in a safe way with the perpetrator, challenging them to change their behaviour. Domestic abuse can also be inflicted on men by women or in same sex relationships, but the most common occurrence is abuse of women by men.
What’s in this section:
Identification and risk matrix
The tool enables practitioners to assess the level of risks to children from male and female domestic abuse. The sheet contains a list of risk factors, vulnerabilities and protective factors which helps practitioners recognise whether a child is at moderate, serious or severe risk.
This matrix was produced by Barnardo’s in 2011.
Power and Control Wheel
The Power and Control Wheel is a tool that helps explain the different ways an abusive partner can use power and control to manipulate a relationship. Social workers can use it to help a victim recognise any of the warning signs in their own relationship.
This tools was developed by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Programs.
Guidelines for working with perpetrators of domestic abuse
This factsheet is for frontline workers who may encounter domestic abuse perpetrators in the course of their work. The guidance covers interacting with men and women who have used violence, abuse and controlling behaviours in their intimate relationships, as well as those who identify as LGBTQ+.
This tools was developed by Respect.
Choosing to change: a handbook for men
This handbook has been written for men who are being violent towards their partners. Practitioners and perpetrators can use the ideas in this booklet to explore the impact of Domestic Violence on others and how to make positive changes.
This tools was developed by Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter in 2009.
Love doesn’t have to hurt teens
Violence is so common in society that children and young people can think this is the norm. However, it is something that is learnt and hence can be changed. This workbook explores why relationship violence can happen and how to deal and address such issues alongside signs to look at for in relationships.
This tools was developed by the American Psychological Association.
Children’s Social Care Direct Work Resource Toolkit 