Question
What are some ways social workers can support parents in DV situations?
Answer
Parents who are survivors of domestic violence bring front and center the importance of being client-centered. This means honoring and respecting the survivor of domestic violence's self-determination, which aligns with the social work code of ethics. Survivors of domestic violence know what is best for themselves and their children, and we can trust and learn from them. Survivors of domestic violence benefit from social workers' understanding of the complexity of domestic violence and validating their concerns. We can also acknowledge how that violence may impact survivors' mental health. It could be a contributing factor to the misuse of alcohol or substances. When we can have a greater picture of what is going on, we can support and advocate for them within other systems.
Another strategy for supporting parents who are survivors is breaking through that isolation and helping them reconnect with relatives and their community. They may have been separated from them, which can be a significant step in creating those non-formal support networks that will be there long after we are no longer involved. We are a temporary support for survivors and their children, so we recognize the importance of reconnecting them with those natural supports. There are also domestic violence programs that provide comprehensive services.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the webinar, Social Work Practice and Domestic Violence Podcast, presented by Benjamin T. Bencomo, DSW, LISW, LCSW and Jeannetta Baca, DSW, LCSW, LISW
