How social workers resolve the ethical dilemmas that arise when working with women experiencing domestic violence

Though social workers come in contact with victims of domestic violence in a number of ways, studies indicate that social workers report feeling underprepared by their graduate education to address issues of domestic violence (DV). In an effort to reveal what is preventing social workers from taking a more demonstrative position on this issue, two focus groups comprised of 5 to 8 Master\u27s level social workers were conducted to explore what resources aid in resolving ethical dilemmas, as well as the following ethical issues: upholding a client\u27s right to self-determination, a clinician\u27s duty to warn/duty to protect, mandatory reporting of children witnessing DV, legislation mandating reporting of physical injuries resulting from DV to the police, and honoring cultural values when DV is present. Findings regarding what ethical issues social workers encounter in their work with victims of DV, social workers\u27 understanding of the complexities of DV and the laws and ethics that impact this work, how social workers resolve ethical issues regarding DV, and where they obtain the information to help them resolve these issues are reported. In addition, recommendations for future research and strategies for upholding the core social work value of self-determination when working with women experiencing domestic violence are discussed