Michael addresses the pervasive issue of physical violence, intimidation, and abuse faced by social care workers. Join Michael as he passionately advocates for the prioritisation of self-care among social workers, emphasising the need for proper training, support, and protection in the face of violent situations. He urges social workers to report incidents of abuse, seek necessary support, and push for systemic changes to ensure their safety and well-being. 
KEY TAKEAWAYS


Violence in Social Work: The prevalence of violence, intimidation, and abuse towards social care workers is a significant issue that needs urgent attention. Social workers face physical and verbal abuse, highlighting the need for change in how these situations are handled.


Statistics on Violence: Shocking statistics reveal the alarming frequency of attacks on social care workers, with a social care worker being attacked every 30 minutes in the UK. The high percentage of social workers experiencing assault, harassment, or verbal abuse underscores the severity of the problem.


Impact on Social Workers: Exposure to violence in social care work leads to decreased job satisfaction, increased stress levels, and feelings of vulnerability among workers. The consequences of client violence extend beyond the individual, affecting overall well-being and contributing to staff shortages.


Need for Training and Support: A lack of training in dealing with violent individuals or situations leaves social workers ill-equipped to handle challenging circumstances. It is crucial for social care agencies to prioritise training, support, and protection for workers to ensure their safety and well-being.


Call to Action: Employers and society at large must take a more active role in safeguarding social care workers. Encouraging reporting of abuse, providing adequate training, and implementing safety measures are essential steps to address the issue of violence in social work and protect those who dedicate their lives to helping others.


BEST MOMENTS
"Violence and the threat of violence should not be tolerated in any way."
"Social workers routinely attend visits on their own, walking into risky and dangerous situations unprotected."
"Many social workers didn't report incidents of abuse to the authorities because they believed abuse was just part of the job."
"Fear or feeling vulnerable was found to be a significant consequence of client violence."
"The time has come for employers and wider society to assume a far greater role in keeping social care workers safe."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
familycourtcoaching@gmail.com
Instagram: michael240656
HOST BIO
Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.