BSW4801
ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE: 18 AUGUST 2026
SEMESTER 2 2026
,TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.1 Introduction 2
1.2 Problem & Rationale 5
1.3 Theoretical Framework 6
1.4 Research Question 8
1.5 Goal & Objectives 9
1.6 Methodology 10
1.7 Data Collection & Analysis 11
1.8 Ethics & Verification 12
1.9 Conclusion 14
2. FINDINGS
2.1 Introduction & Profile 16
2.2 Themes & Literature Control 17
2.3 Conclusion 15
3. CONCLUSIONS
3.1 Introduction 16
3.2 Conclusions & Recommendations 17
3.3 Conclusion 19
Bibliography 42
Addendums A, B, C 43-54
1
, ABSTRACT
This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of social workers providing
services to survivors of domestic violence. The research problem was that social
workers face many emotional and professional challenges, yet little qualitative research
has explored their experiences in depth. The study was guided by Empowerment
Theory (Rappaport, 1987) and Compassion Fatigue Theory (Figley, 1995). A descriptive
phenomenological design was used. Four social workers who had worked with domestic
violence survivors for more than two years were selected through purposive sampling.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted and audio-recorded with participants'
consent. Data was analysed using Tesch's eight steps of qualitative data analysis.
Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, transferability, dependability and
confirmability. Ethical principles including informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity,
information management and beneficence were followed. The findings revealed five
themes: participants' experiences working with survivors, challenges faced, perceptions
of their role, impactful situations, and needed resources. The study concluded that
social workers experience both rewards and challenges in their work.
Recommendations include improved organisational support, self-care protocols, and
integrated service models.
Keywords: Social workers, domestic violence survivors, experiences, qualitative
research
2
ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE: 18 AUGUST 2026
SEMESTER 2 2026
,TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.1 Introduction 2
1.2 Problem & Rationale 5
1.3 Theoretical Framework 6
1.4 Research Question 8
1.5 Goal & Objectives 9
1.6 Methodology 10
1.7 Data Collection & Analysis 11
1.8 Ethics & Verification 12
1.9 Conclusion 14
2. FINDINGS
2.1 Introduction & Profile 16
2.2 Themes & Literature Control 17
2.3 Conclusion 15
3. CONCLUSIONS
3.1 Introduction 16
3.2 Conclusions & Recommendations 17
3.3 Conclusion 19
Bibliography 42
Addendums A, B, C 43-54
1
, ABSTRACT
This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of social workers providing
services to survivors of domestic violence. The research problem was that social
workers face many emotional and professional challenges, yet little qualitative research
has explored their experiences in depth. The study was guided by Empowerment
Theory (Rappaport, 1987) and Compassion Fatigue Theory (Figley, 1995). A descriptive
phenomenological design was used. Four social workers who had worked with domestic
violence survivors for more than two years were selected through purposive sampling.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted and audio-recorded with participants'
consent. Data was analysed using Tesch's eight steps of qualitative data analysis.
Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, transferability, dependability and
confirmability. Ethical principles including informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity,
information management and beneficence were followed. The findings revealed five
themes: participants' experiences working with survivors, challenges faced, perceptions
of their role, impactful situations, and needed resources. The study concluded that
social workers experience both rewards and challenges in their work.
Recommendations include improved organisational support, self-care protocols, and
integrated service models.
Keywords: Social workers, domestic violence survivors, experiences, qualitative
research
2
