Social work impediments in providing effective services to families confronting family violence in South Africa

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to examine impediments that hinder social workers in providing effective services to families confronting family violence at Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Violence within families is both a global and gendered issue. In helping victims to cope with the effects of family violence, social workers provide a number of services. However, social workers encounter numerous challenges that hinder the effectiveness and efficiency of their services. A sample of 10 participants was selected through purposive sampling. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, which yielded rich information on a host of challenges experienced by social workers. Findings showed clearly that the funding required for ensuring the sustainability of the organisations is insufficient, and that the human resources are unstable. Findings further indicated how culture hinders social workers into properly interact with families confronting family violence. It can be concluded that these challenges delay social workers to achieve the aim of the profession as well as playing their roles fully. Eradicating family violence calls for a multi-sectoral model, as it has broader implications beyond the social welfare system.