TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
Abstract
1.1 Introduction 3
1.2 Problem Formulation 4
1.3 Rationale for the Study 5
1.4 Theoretical Framework 6
1.5 Research Question 7
1.6 Research Goal and Objectives 8
1.7 Research Methodology 9
1.8 Research Methods 13
1.9 Data Collection Methods 14
1.10 Pilot Testing 15
1.11 Methods of Data Analysis 18
1.12 Data Verification 15
1.13 Ethical Considerations 16
1.14 Debriefing 22
1.15 Clarification of Key Concepts 23
1.16 Dissemination of Research Results 25
1.17 Work and Time Schedule 26
Bibliography 28
Addendum A: Participant Information Sheet 29
1
,ABSTRACT
This qualitative research study explores the lived experiences of social workers who
provide services to survivors of domestic violence. The research problem is that social
workers face many emotional and professional challenges when working with survivors,
yet little research has been done to understand their experiences in depth. The purpose
of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of how social workers experience their
work with domestic violence survivors.
The study follows a qualitative research approach using a descriptive phenomenological
design. This design allows the researcher to understand the meaning that social
workers give to their experiences. The population consists of social workers who have
worked with domestic violence survivors for more than two years. A purposive sample
of four social workers will be selected to participate in semi-structured interviews. The
interviews will be guided by open-ended questions and will be audio-recorded with the
participants' consent.
Data will be analysed using Tesch's eight steps of qualitative data analysis as described
by Creswell (2014). The trustworthiness of the data will be ensured through credibility,
transferability, dependability and confirmability. Ethical principles such as informed
consent, confidentiality, anonymity, management of information and beneficence will be
strictly followed throughout the research process.
Keywords: Social workers, domestic violence survivors, experiences, qualitative
research, phenomenology
2
,1.1 INTRODUCTION
Domestic violence is a serious problem that affects many people around the world. The
World Health Organization (2021) states that domestic violence is a global public health
issue that affects millions of women, children and men. In South Africa, the rates of
domestic violence are very high. Statistics South Africa (2020) reports that about one in
five women have experienced physical violence from a partner.
Social workers play a very important role in helping survivors of domestic violence. They
provide counselling, support, and help survivors access resources and services
(Herman, 2015). However, working with survivors of domestic violence can be
emotionally difficult for social workers. They often deal with traumatic stories and face
many challenges in their work.
Previous research has focused mainly on the experiences of survivors themselves
(Vetten, 2019). Less attention has been given to the experiences of the social workers
who help them. Bride and Kintzle (2011) found that social workers often experience
burnout and secondary traumatic stress. However, there is not enough qualitative
research that explores in depth how social workers make meaning of their daily work
with survivors.
In South Africa, the problem is made worse by high levels of violence, limited funding for
non-governmental organisations, and problems with the criminal justice system (Vetten,
2019). Social workers often feel frustrated and helpless when they cannot provide
enough resources to survivors.
This study therefore focuses on the experiences of social workers who work with
survivors of domestic violence. It aims to understand their emotional responses, the
challenges they face, how they see their role, and what support they need. With these
experiences, organisations can better support social workers and improve services for
survivors.
3
, 1.2 PROBLEM FORMULATION
Social workers who help survivors of domestic violence do very important work.
However, they face many challenges that affect their well-being and effectiveness. The
main problem is that we do not fully understand what social workers experience when
they work with survivors of domestic violence.
Existing research shows that social workers often experience burnout and secondary
traumatic stress. Bride and Kintzle (2011) explain that secondary traumatic stress
happens when social workers are exposed to the trauma stories of their clients. This
can cause symptoms like intrusive thoughts, avoidance, and feeling constantly stressed.
However, most of the existing research has used quantitative methods to measure
burnout and stress (Bride & Kintzle, 2011). There are not enough qualitative studies that
explore in depth how social workers make meaning of their experiences. We need to
understand not just what stress looks like, but how social workers feel, think, and cope
with their work.
In the South African context, the problem is even more serious. Vetten (2019) explains
that South Africa has very high rates of community violence. Non-governmental
organisations that help survivors are often underfunded. The criminal justice system is
fragmented and does not always protect survivors. This makes the work of social
workers even more difficult.
Social workers often report feeling helpless and frustrated. They may experience moral
distress when they cannot provide adequate resources to survivors (Herman, 2015).
They may also feel angry at the legal system when it fails to protect survivors. These
emotional responses can affect their personal well-being and their ability to do their
work effectively.
The central problem addressed in this study is therefore: What is the nature of the lived
experience of social workers who work with survivors of domestic violence? This
4
2
Abstract
1.1 Introduction 3
1.2 Problem Formulation 4
1.3 Rationale for the Study 5
1.4 Theoretical Framework 6
1.5 Research Question 7
1.6 Research Goal and Objectives 8
1.7 Research Methodology 9
1.8 Research Methods 13
1.9 Data Collection Methods 14
1.10 Pilot Testing 15
1.11 Methods of Data Analysis 18
1.12 Data Verification 15
1.13 Ethical Considerations 16
1.14 Debriefing 22
1.15 Clarification of Key Concepts 23
1.16 Dissemination of Research Results 25
1.17 Work and Time Schedule 26
Bibliography 28
Addendum A: Participant Information Sheet 29
1
,ABSTRACT
This qualitative research study explores the lived experiences of social workers who
provide services to survivors of domestic violence. The research problem is that social
workers face many emotional and professional challenges when working with survivors,
yet little research has been done to understand their experiences in depth. The purpose
of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of how social workers experience their
work with domestic violence survivors.
The study follows a qualitative research approach using a descriptive phenomenological
design. This design allows the researcher to understand the meaning that social
workers give to their experiences. The population consists of social workers who have
worked with domestic violence survivors for more than two years. A purposive sample
of four social workers will be selected to participate in semi-structured interviews. The
interviews will be guided by open-ended questions and will be audio-recorded with the
participants' consent.
Data will be analysed using Tesch's eight steps of qualitative data analysis as described
by Creswell (2014). The trustworthiness of the data will be ensured through credibility,
transferability, dependability and confirmability. Ethical principles such as informed
consent, confidentiality, anonymity, management of information and beneficence will be
strictly followed throughout the research process.
Keywords: Social workers, domestic violence survivors, experiences, qualitative
research, phenomenology
2
,1.1 INTRODUCTION
Domestic violence is a serious problem that affects many people around the world. The
World Health Organization (2021) states that domestic violence is a global public health
issue that affects millions of women, children and men. In South Africa, the rates of
domestic violence are very high. Statistics South Africa (2020) reports that about one in
five women have experienced physical violence from a partner.
Social workers play a very important role in helping survivors of domestic violence. They
provide counselling, support, and help survivors access resources and services
(Herman, 2015). However, working with survivors of domestic violence can be
emotionally difficult for social workers. They often deal with traumatic stories and face
many challenges in their work.
Previous research has focused mainly on the experiences of survivors themselves
(Vetten, 2019). Less attention has been given to the experiences of the social workers
who help them. Bride and Kintzle (2011) found that social workers often experience
burnout and secondary traumatic stress. However, there is not enough qualitative
research that explores in depth how social workers make meaning of their daily work
with survivors.
In South Africa, the problem is made worse by high levels of violence, limited funding for
non-governmental organisations, and problems with the criminal justice system (Vetten,
2019). Social workers often feel frustrated and helpless when they cannot provide
enough resources to survivors.
This study therefore focuses on the experiences of social workers who work with
survivors of domestic violence. It aims to understand their emotional responses, the
challenges they face, how they see their role, and what support they need. With these
experiences, organisations can better support social workers and improve services for
survivors.
3
, 1.2 PROBLEM FORMULATION
Social workers who help survivors of domestic violence do very important work.
However, they face many challenges that affect their well-being and effectiveness. The
main problem is that we do not fully understand what social workers experience when
they work with survivors of domestic violence.
Existing research shows that social workers often experience burnout and secondary
traumatic stress. Bride and Kintzle (2011) explain that secondary traumatic stress
happens when social workers are exposed to the trauma stories of their clients. This
can cause symptoms like intrusive thoughts, avoidance, and feeling constantly stressed.
However, most of the existing research has used quantitative methods to measure
burnout and stress (Bride & Kintzle, 2011). There are not enough qualitative studies that
explore in depth how social workers make meaning of their experiences. We need to
understand not just what stress looks like, but how social workers feel, think, and cope
with their work.
In the South African context, the problem is even more serious. Vetten (2019) explains
that South Africa has very high rates of community violence. Non-governmental
organisations that help survivors are often underfunded. The criminal justice system is
fragmented and does not always protect survivors. This makes the work of social
workers even more difficult.
Social workers often report feeling helpless and frustrated. They may experience moral
distress when they cannot provide adequate resources to survivors (Herman, 2015).
They may also feel angry at the legal system when it fails to protect survivors. These
emotional responses can affect their personal well-being and their ability to do their
work effectively.
The central problem addressed in this study is therefore: What is the nature of the lived
experience of social workers who work with survivors of domestic violence? This
4
