From Research to Practice: Responding to Occupational Violence in Social Work Education

Social work and mental health care are among the occupations where workers are at greatest risk for experiencing job-related violence, ranging from yelling/swearing by clients to verbal and non-verbal threats, physical assaults and homicide. Surveillance data indicate that 15 healthcare and social service workers per 10,000 are non-fatally assaulted each year compared to 2 workers per 10,000 in other industries. The research literature suggests even greater prevalence, with up to 90% of anonymously surveyed social workers reporting verbal threats and 20-25% reporting physical assaults during their careers. Incidents of threats and violence are often under-reported, and can additionally contribute to stress, burnout, and employee turnover. While only a few prior studies have examined students' experiences of violence, the literature suggests that students are equally at risk for experiencing violence as seasoned practitioners. Authors have recommended that practicum sites and schools of social work take steps to better prepare students for working in potentially violent situations.

In response to occupational violence against social workers, one university surveyed its MSW students about threats/violence experienced in practicum settings, as well as training received in occupational violence prevention. Data from the first year indicated that 63% of students had experienced at least one type of threat/violence in their practicum, with 49% having experienced at least one type beyond being insulted, sworn, or yelled at while working with a client. This poster presents prevalence findings from year two of this study, and describes policy, curricula, and programmatic changes made as a result of this research.