Social Workers Response to Domestic Violence and Abuse during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The rapid global spread of COVID-19 has put increased pressure on health and social service providers, including social workers who continued front line practice throughout the pandemic, engaging with some of the most vulnerable in society often experiencing multiple adversities alongside domestic violence and abuse (DVA). Movement restrictions and stay-at-home orders introduced to slow the spread of the virus, paradoxically leave these families at even greater risk from those within the home. Utilising a survey methodology combining both open- and closed-ended questions, this study captured a picture of social work practice in Ireland with families experiencing DVA during the early waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings highlight both the changes and challenges in work practices and procedures that limit social work assessment and quality contact with families, changes to the help-seeking behaviours from victims/survivors, as well as emerging innovative practice responses with enhanced use of technology. Implications for practice include an increased awareness of the risk and prevalence of DVA accelerated by the pandemic. Conclusions assert that social work assessment and intervention with families experiencing DVA must remain adaptive to the changing COVID-19 context and continue to develop innovative practice approaches.

Research Priority 3: 'How can occupational therapists work more effectively with the family and carers of people who access services?'

The article reports that research is an essential pillar that supports profession. Topics include examines it plays a crucial role in ensuring that are providing evidence-based, cost-effective and impactful services that improve the lives of the individuals, groups and communities that rely upon them and considered it is also instrumental in promoting innovation and helps to adapt to future challenges.

Using a digital messaging service to enhance access to mental health support

Why you should read this article: • To understand the potential benefits of using digital messaging services to engage with service users • To learn about a digital messaging service that has been developed and rolled out in numerous trusts • To recognise the challenges that may be encountered when providing digital healthcare and consider how to address these School nurses and health visitors across the NHS often use text messaging as a simple and efficient way to engage service users directly. This article explores how a team of school nurses used a safe and secure web-based messaging portal – ChatHealth – to enable young people and their parents and/or carers to discreetly contact nurses about sensitive topics, such as mental health. The author also discusses the UK-wide roll-out of ChatHealth, as well as exploring how a perinatal mental health service and young people's mental health support team implemented their own messaging services to meet the needs of service users.