Overwhelming majority of social workers claim domestic violence and divorces set to increase
Due to rising energy bills nine in 10 social workers are warning that cases of domestic violence are set to rise.
Following a survey of 242 social workers around the country, nine in 10 believe cases of domestic abuse will rise, with eight in 10 fearing families could split up and 55% worrying about increased caseloads becoming unmanageable.
The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) said the impact could be “catastrophic” with wider impacts such as more children going into care. Chief executive of the BASW, Ruth Allen, stated:
“Social workers are among the best placed professionals to comment on the cost-of-living crisis. What they have told us is shocking and an important insight into the impact on real lives.”
One social worker of 20 years “Duc” called in to Greatest Hits Radio and explained how financial pressures could exacerbate issues in the home:
“Finances is a big subject in family discussions and sometimes disagreements.
The cost of living crisis and the lack of money would mean that people will probably stay at home at lot more. That will increase those tensions in the home, as well as the reality of not being able to afford to keep themselves warm and cook their meals.
Some people are already in debt and the increase in the costs of living is going to further compound mental health disorders.
Domestic violence can also occur through situations of addition. I think it could fuel those types of behaviours and addictions that end up in families being split up.”
Prime Minister Liz Truss has announced a freeze on energy bills of £2,500 a month, but social workers argue this is not nearly enough. In the same survey over half of social workers stated millions will still be forced into poverty this winter. “Duc” provided further commentary on this:
“That is already greater that what a lot of low-income families, those that we are supporting, can actually afford.
That’s probably going to be double the amount that they would normally be paying, when they are already struggling.
I don’t think that is good enough, and I believe it will have a major impact on their ability to survive.”
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