Social Workers' Experiences of Working with Partner Violence

In this study, we investigated social workers' use of risk assessments and risk management in cases concerning intimate partner violence. The study examined social workers' experiences of work performance, organizational conditions, internal and external collaboration and challenges and opportunities at work. We interviewed twelve respondents in Swedish social work offices about what structures, supports and foundations they found essential for work sustainability and resilience. Support from colleagues and managers, experience, openness and trust were critical factors for work satisfaction. The study showed that work experience created trust and security, partly because the social worker became better at translating laws and regulations into practical work. Concerning the severity of the cases, collaboration was essential for building workplace confidence and well-being. A well-functioning internal and external collaboration was described as trust, reducing stress and access to open and straightforward communication with others. Sustainable routines and access to guidelines facilitated the work. An unsupportive work climate included a culture of silence, a lack of trust and generated feelings of stress. Feelings of vulnerability in the professional role arose when the workgroup and/or the management did not take a supportive approach to operational work. This study describes and discusses social workers' use of risk assessments and risk management and their experience working with challenging cases concerning intimate partner violence. Key factors that support the work were strongly linked to organizational factors, such as opportunities to work in pairs, have access to supervision or a mentor and receive support from a senior social worker colleague. Well-functioning internal and external collaboration was connected to trust, manageable stress levels and open and straightforward communication. An unsupportive work climate was linked to a culture of silence, lack of trust and high stress levels. When the team and the management did not take a supportive approach to operations, feelings of vulnerability in the professional role evolved.