Community service workers help communities by providing a range of support services to marginalized individuals. Because they conduct daily visits to individuals and families who have a lower quality of life due to traumatic events or lower income, they are often the first ones to spot potential problems within households.
Worldwide, domestic violence is a prevalent problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 30% of women around the world have experienced sexual and/or physical violence in their lives. This alarming statistic highlights the importance of community service workers in helping prevent and respond to domestic violence.
The Canadian government defines domestic violence as a form of gender-based violence that can happen in any form of relationship, which can include those who are married or merely dating. The WHO further defines domestic violence as a global public health concern because it negatively affects society on multiple levels. Domestic violence traumatizes children especially, and this increases their chances of becoming perpetrators of violence themselves. Domestic violence not only causes mental health problems in victims but might also lead to fatal outcomes.
A large role of community service workers when it comes to domestic abuse is to provide healthcare to the victims while also referring them to support services they can use to find relief. Often visit clients and assist them with daily tasks. They are able to recognize the signs of domestic violence, which include the following:
Injuries and attempts to cover bruises
Personality changes, such as a decline in someone’s self-esteem
Eagerness to please one’s partner
Avoiding social gatherings or missing meetings without any reason
The need to consult with a partner on everything
If community service workers suspect that someone has been subject to domestic violence, they are capable of directing them toward family violence resources and services specific to their province. They are also able to offer support to abuse survivors through shelter programs while also providing individual counseling sessions.
Furthermore, community service workers are familiar with violence-informed approaches for working with clients who have experienced domestic abuse. The focus of these approaches is to diminish the likelihood of harm and re-traumatization. A good example of how this approach works is that community service workers would never touch a person without their permission and would always avoid using judgment or a commanding tone of voice to help the victim of domestic abuse feel safe as they received care.
Community service workers play an integral role in the early detection and prevention of domestic violence. At Computek College, we offer a Community Service Worker Diploma Program that prepares specialists for such job positions as women's shelter supervisors, crisis intervention workers, and family service workers. Contact us to learn more!
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