KSS-KISS
Knowledge and Skills Statement - Kindness. Information. Strength. Support.
KSS-KISS is specifically designed to assist social work professionals to effectively support adult female's who have been, are at risk of, or are experiencing domestic violence or abuse (DVA).
The concept of supporting DVA victims with social care needs will be considered liberally; with the view that any individual subject to DVA, irrespective of them possessing a recognised impairment prior to their victimisation, may develop a physical or mental impairment as a result of their DVA symptomology impacting their capacity, resilience or capabilities. Thus, the tailored and proportionate intervention and support required is universal to every victim of DVA, and all knowledge and skills within this website may apply to any female victim, if it applies to their contextual circumstances and individual needs.
To read more about this Knowledge and Skills Statement, please follow the link 'Statement Overview'.
UK definition of Domestic Abuse
“any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional” (Home Office, 2018).
BASW's definition of the role of a social worker
"Social workers aim to improve people’s lives by helping with social and interpersonal difficulties, promoting human rights and wellbeing. Social workers protect children and adults with support needs from harm."
British Association of Social Workers (2012).
Legislation underpins social work
PREVALENCE OF DOMESTIC ABUSE AGAINST FEMALES IN THE UK IS WIDESPREAD: 1.3 million women were officially recorded as being abused domestically, in a twelve month period, ending March 2018 (ONS, 2018). The British Government have established legislation to support the protection of domestic abuse victims. As a social worker, you must possess an awareness of key legislation and access legal protections for and with victims when appropriate.
Social work practitioners should draw upon theories, methods and models, utilised eclectically and in a critically considered manner, to establish the deliverance of an informed and accountable approach; as practice which is frameworked by substantiated theory, reinforces professional credibility and supports attainment of positive outcomes (McDonald, 1995; BASW, 2012).
SIGN-POSTING TO SUPPORT SERVICES
There is an expanse of services and community support to help protect and support female abuse victims.
Whatever their current motivation or ability to change their circumstances, there are services and advice available (Prochaska & Diclemente, 1992; ERYC, 2019).
A few resources to help social work practitioners support females being or who have been previously abused, are listed below; these can be used to provide additional knowledge and as supplementary sources to signpost individuals to.
