Domestic violence has many different meanings, and many different terms are used to describe it. Terms like intimate relationship violence, marital violence, and family abuse are frequently used in many affluent nations. These terms are used to broadly characterise numerous types of abuse and/or violence that may occur in adults above the age of 18, which is frequently distinct from child abuse, sexual violence, and abuse (Rakovec-Felser, 2014).

The following forms of abuse are included but not limited to: psychological, physical, sexual, financial, and emotional. (2012), page 1 (Home Office). As a result of the government's new definition, adolescents aged 16 and 17 can now receive support from adult domestic violence services rather than child services. The government definition will be used and will be restricted to individuals aged 16 and over who are in intimate relationships in order to create focus for this article. Also, throughout the essay, the terms domestic abuse and domestic violence will both be used interchangeably. Visit Essay Writing Help

It has been demonstrated that domestic violence has an impact on every part of the victim's life, including the financial, social, economic, and mental aspects (Femi-Ajao et al., 2018). Also, those who experience domestic violence are more likely to experience a variety of health issues, which increases their likelihood of missing work and causes economic loss for the UK as well as a greater financial load for the NHS (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2014).

Domestic abuse affects an estimated 1.9 million people between the ages of 16 and 59, with more women than males being impacted, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (2017). As stated, the prevalence rate of domestic abuse is projected to be 6 in 100 adults, with women experiencing it at a rate of 7.5% and males at a rate of 4.3%, totaling 1.2 million women and 713,000 men (Office for National Statistics, 2017).

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2014) makes it clear that healthcare professionals must assist those who are victims of domestic violence. Stanley et al. (2010), however, found that social workers are more likely to concentrate on children and child protection issues and less likely to assist victims who are adults.

According to recent research by Robbins and Cook (2017), people who have experienced domestic abuse and have interacted with social workers frequently regard such professionals as being unhelpful in assisting them in obtaining the care they need to deal with their experience. As a result, this essay will address social workers in three different capacities. They are: 1. Victim identification; 2. Referral to specialised domestic abuse services; and 3. Legal assistance. The following section of this essay will talk about these three positions.

Social Workers' Role in Victim Identification

Identification of domestic violence victims has been deemed to be quite significant in terms of healthcare providers (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2014). Healthcare practitioners need to do more to be involved in identifying people experiencing domestic violence, despite the fact that there is conflicting information regarding whether routine screening is required for identifying victims of domestic abuse (O'Doherty et al., 2014).

It has been recommended that identifying those who are experiencing domestic abuse can help to guarantee that they receive the assistance they require promptly, ending the cycle of abuse (Trevillion et al., 2012). There are chances to improve the identification of domestic abuse victims because social workers are likely to interact with families who are having relationship issues.

When people disclose their experiences of domestic violence, the proper response is a crucial component of identification (Bacchus et al., 2018). Social workers must be sympathetic in their responses to families where there is a problem with domestic violence since there are worries about the removal of children and mistrust of social workers in assisting persons experiencing domestic abuse (Robbins and Cook, 2017). This will make it easier to build the trust levels needed to find victims.

Conclusion

Domestic violence is a personal issue that negatively affects not only the health and wellness of those afflicted but also the entire nation. It causes serious health issues that have an impact on the economy, the victim's capacity for job and education, as well as the healthcare system. As background information for the concepts presented on the role of social workers in supporting people facing domestic violence and abuse, this essay provides an overview of the definition and terminologies of domestic abuse.

Three crucial responsibilities were noted. First, it was noted that social workers have a responsibility to identify domestic violence victims, particularly because research has shown that this can aid in ending the cycle of abuse. Second, the significance of directing victims of domestic abuse to specialised resources was emphasised. It was noted that social workers may be able to facilitate this process by making referrals. Thirdly, attention was drawn to the legislative change that now permits social workers to offer official documentation in support of legal aid. Social workers can assist those who are in need by playing these three roles.

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