ORIGINAL ARTICLE QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Specialist sexual violence social work: Ensuring good practice

Bridget Leary, Social Worker in the Sexual Violence Field, Wellington, New Zealand Dr Kathryn Hay, School of Social Work, Massey University, New Zealand

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This research sought to understand social workers’ perspectives on good practice in specialist sexual violence social work practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.

METHODS: In 2018, five registered social workers engaged in semi-structured interviews focused on good practice social work in the field of sexual violence.

FINDINGS: The use of therapeutic social work, along with an extensive skill set and knowledge base were identified as fundamental for sexual violence social work. Boundaries and the development of broad self-care practices were recognised as crucial components of good practice.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study offers links between the field of sexual violence and social work practice, while also indicating the need for future research.

KEYWORDS: Social work; sexual violence; Aotearoa New Zealand; good practice

Sexual violence is a widespread issue functioned as support work with a focus both internationally and in Aotearoa on short-term, practical guidance, there New Zealand with severe and extensive has been a move toward comprehensive, consequences (Mason & Lodrick, 2013; therapeutic practice. There is a need for Mossman, Jordan, MacGibbon, Kingi, & informed and appropriate intervention in Moore, 2009; Thorburn, 2015). It is estimated cases of sexual violence due to the high that one in three females and one in seven and complex needs of people who are males in Aotearoa New Zealand have affected (Ministry of Women’s Affairs, 2009; experienced sexual violence (Fanslow, Mossman, Jordan et al., 2009; Thorburn, Robinson, Crengle, & Perese, 2007; Ministry 2015). If individuals impacted by sexual of Women’s Affairs, 2012; Mortimer et al., violence are not attended to by specialised 2009; Thorburn, 2015). Ma¯ori women are professionals, it can be detrimental to their AOTEAROA nearly twice as likely to experience sexual ongoing well-being with individuals being NEW ZEALAND SOCIAL violence as the general population, with re-traumatised throughout their disclosures WORK 31(4), 60–71. Pacific and migrant women also at greater and subsequent healing journeys (Campbell, risk (Mayhew & Reilly, 2009). Wasco, Ahrens, Sefl, & Barnes, 2001). People who experience sexual violence CORRESPONDENCE TO: Dr Kathryn Hay While sexual violence social work in often have interaction with social workers [email protected] Aotearoa New Zealand has traditionally and therefore, having a social worker who

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is specifically trained in a sexual violence good practice for social workers engaged scope of practice may aid in the reduction of in this domain. Also, most international re-traumatisation (Mason & Lodrick, 2013; research has thus far focused on the work of Thorburn, 2015). psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors and crisis workers, leaving limited links This article draws on findings from a study to social workers (Mortimer et al., 2009; that explored good practice social work Murphy et al., 2011). While the reviewed in the field of sexual violence from the studies may not focus primarily on social perspectives of five registered social workers. work, they outline factors that share The study was a supervised research project similarities to social work skills, knowledge completed as part of a master’s degree and values, as well as the potential impacts in applied social work through Massey of sexual violence work on the social work University. The focus of this article is to link professional. the profession of social work to the field of sexual violence in Aotearoa New Zealand Skills and stimulate a discussion on the practice of social work in this specialist area. The most commonly expressed professional skills necessary for social work practice in the sexual violence field include Literature review counselling, listening, advocacy, and In 2009, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs in managing the tensions of one’s world view Aotearoa New Zealand conducted research within professional practice. The personal on effective interventions within the field, attributes of empathy and holding belief in including a literature review on good the client are also highlighted. Jordan (2008) practice (Mossman, Jordan et al., 2009). This observes that there are positive impacts literature review provided information on for people who experience sexual violence good practice within the medical system, the when professionals employ acceptance mental health system, the criminal justice and empathy while hearing a client’s story. system and support services in regard to Similarly, Thorburn (2015) points out the sexual violence (Mossman, Jordan et al., importance of empathy, listening skills and 2009). Then, in 2016, Te Ohaaki a Hine counselling skills when working in this National Network Ending Sexual Violence field. Counselling skills and the therapeutic Together (TOAHNNEST) worked to relationship are described as critical for modernise existing good practice guidelines meeting the emotional needs of a client based on practice evidence. These guidelines (Mortimer et al., 2009; Mossman, MacGibbon outline 15 principles for good practice in et al., 2009). By drawing on the concept mainstream crisis support services within of counselling skills in social work practice, the sexual violence field (Wharewera-Mika & Staniforth and Booysen (2016) have been able McPhillips, 2016). Another piece of research to show that these micro-skills are utilised from Aotearoa New Zealand is a research in many fields of practice. The therapeutic report completed with the support of Aviva relationship that grows through the use of Family Violence Services, START, and the these micro-skills is seen as the principal Ministry of Social Development by Dr Lesley element of the healing process (Mortimer et al., Campbell to inform the service design of a 2009; Murphy et al., 2011; Thorburn, 2015). sexual assault support service in Canterbury (Campbell, 2016). Knowledge While these examples of research have The literature is saturated with focused on the field of sexual violence recommendations for specialist training, in Aotearoa New Zealand, there has not education and specific qualifications in been an in-depth, specific exploration of sexual violence work (Campbell et al., 2001;

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Ministry of Women’s Affairs, 2009; Mortimer Values et al., 2009; Mossman, MacGibbon et al., The values that contribute to good practice 2009; Thorburn, 2015). Thorburn (2015), social work in the sexual violence field have for example, suggests the importance of been discussed throughout the literature and receiving training in dealing with power include self-determination and the worth and control for workers in this field. This and dignity of clients. Jordan (2008) reminds is echoed by Pack (2011) who highlights us that it is necessary to respect a client’s the need for social workers to acknowledge positioning because positive impacts emerge existing power dynamics when working when professionals accept and respect the with people who have experienced sexual needs and wants of the client. In a similar violence. Other knowledge that could be vein, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (2009) included in specialist training and education discusses self-determination through the relate to the factors that influence an framework of client-focused service delivery. individual’s decision to disclose, the impacts This view is also supported by Murphy et al. of sexual violence, effective intervention (2011) who write that social workers must skills, and theoretical frameworks that keep pace with the client and follow their underpin practice (Murphy et al., 2011; lead. The concept of choice is also addressed Thorburn, 2015). at length in the literature. Stenius and Several studies indicate that service Veysey (2005), for example, write that choice delivery in the field of sexual violence has is crucial including creating space for clients a theoretical underpinning from feminist to make their own decisions around the pace (Jordan, 2013; Jülich, Sturgess, McGregor, & at which they heal, what issues they want to Nicholas, 2013; Mossman, Jordan et al., work on, and who they want to work with. 2009; Pack, 2011; Thorburn, 2015) and They discuss that attention needs to be paid trauma-informed perspectives (Mason & to what the client is requesting as this aids Lodrick, 2013; Mortimer et al., 2009; Murphy in preserving the self-determination of the et al., 2011; Pack, 2011; Stenius & Veysey, client, and may also increase the person’s 2005; Thorburn, 2015; Wharewera-Mika & sense of control. Jülich et al. (2013) also point McPhillips, 2016). By drawing on feminist out that a client-centred approach involves theory, Jordan (2013) makes historical links giving relevant options and respecting the between language use, social justice and options that are chosen. political activism within the domain of sexual violence. Similarly, Thorburn (2015) The valuing of the worth and dignity of clients argues that this field has been traditionally should be prioritised especially in meeting influenced by feminist empowerment cultural needs. This perspective recognises that principles and observes that these principles female Ma¯ori and minority groups are more are still present in practice. Commenting on at risk of experiencing barriers to accessing trauma-informed practice, Mortimer et al. appropriate services (Mossman, MacGibbon (2009) suggest the expectation professionals et al., 2009). Mossman, MacGibbon et al. (2009) have of one another in the sexual violence note the importance of culturally appropriate field is to have a sound theoretical services, which is supported by Mason and grounding in trauma. This view is supported Lodrick (2013) who recognise that cultural and by Thorburn (2015) who writes that trauma religious considerations may have significance theories should be integrated into sexual for the healing journeys of the people accessing violence training due to the specialist nature a service. of sexual trauma. Together, these studies support the notion that feminist and trauma- Impacts of sexual violence informed perspectives and comprehensive and specialist knowledge is foundational for Previous research has focused on the good practice social work. impacts that sexual violence has on both

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the individuals who have experienced this the risk of experiencing secondary trauma. violence, and the professionals working Michalopoulos and Aparicio (2012) suggest within the field of practice. On an individual that protective factors against secondary level, this may include a substantial sense of trauma for social workers in the field of loss, including the loss of trust, control and sexual violence include regular high quality sense of safety (Jülich et al., 2013; Ministry supervision, continuing professional of Women’s Affairs, 2012; Mortimer development, and social supports. Some et al., 2009; Murphy et al., 2011; Thorburn, social workers may also find processing and 2015). The psychiatric diagnoses of anxiety debriefing with their colleagues cathartic and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Jirek, 2015). are mentioned repeatedly throughout the literature as common responses to Method experiencing sexual violence (Mason & Lodrick, 2013; Mortimer et al., 2009). Guilt The aim of this study was to explore social and shame are also referenced as major workers’ perceptions of good practice impacts on the individual that can intensify social work in the sexual violence field. negatively when not responded to in a A qualitative approach was deemed the specialised way (Mortimer et al., 2009; most appropriate methodology given Mossman, MacGregor et al., 2009; the focus on exploring individuals’ Thorburn, 2015). unique experiences and perspectives (Ryan, Coughlan, & Cronin, 2007). For the professional, working in the field of sexual violence may be a contributor to Ethical approval from Massey University secondary or vicarious trauma, terms which, was granted under the low-risk category. in this article, will be used interchangeably Particular consideration was given to (Jirek, 2015; Temitope & Williams, 2015). This potential issues around conflict of interest may result in the social worker experiencing and coercion due to the first author’s PTSD symptoms which can compromise their engagement in the field of practice under ability to provide high quality intervention examination. To remove any possible for their clients (Michalopoulos & Aparicio, sense of obligation by participants, 2012). Jirek (2015) points out that secondary the participant criteria included the trauma can also lead to a change in the condition of not being known to the social worker’s world view, causing them researcher. No agencies in the region to develop a more cynical outlook and lose where the author lived were approached. their sense of hope. Social workers with Consent was obtained in writing. While heavy caseloads in this field are at a higher anonymity could not be guaranteed, risk of experiencing secondary trauma confidentiality was ensured through the (Temitope & Williams, 2015). That risk use of pseudonyms and exclusion of any may, however, decrease as a social worker identifying information. becomes more experienced (Hargrave, Scott, & McDowell, 2006). Five agencies listed on the National Collective of Rape Crisis and Related Groups Research on the impact of a social worker’s Aotearoa (http://www.rapecrisisnz.org.nz/) personal trauma history on their risk of website were emailed letters of invitation experiencing secondary trauma is varied. requesting that an information sheet and A study completed by Michalopoulos interview schedule were forwarded to social and Aparicio (2012) found no correlation workers who met the participation criteria. between personal trauma history and The criteria included being a qualified secondary trauma, whereas Way, social worker, having at least one year of VanDeusen, and Cottrell (2007) found that experience in the sexual violence field, having a personal trauma history increases having access to Skype for the purpose of an

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interview, and not being previously known Skills, knowledge and values to the researcher. Interested participants Participants identified a substantial selection were encouraged to contact the researcher of skills, knowledge and values necessary directly. Five social workers who expressed for social work practice in this specialist interest in the research and met the criteria field. Therapeutic and relational skills were were interviewed. deemed of high importance due to the differentiation from generalist social work Over the period June–August 2018 the first seen within this field of practice. Having author interviewed two of the social workers the skills to work as a team through the in person and three by Skype. These semi- use of a multidisciplinary approach was structured interviews were conducted with also considered to be essential. Developing one individual and two sets of pairs due to specific sexual violence knowledge was the preference of the participants. The social raised by all participants, as well as their workers were all currently employed in concern around limited sexual violence organisations providing specialist services training for social workers. Participants to people who have experienced sexual acknowledged patience as a fundamental violence. The participants were asked for value while also highlighting the their perspectives on good practice social importance of balancing hope against the work in the sexual violence field, including discouragement that social workers can face the key contributing skills, knowledge within this field. and values.

The interview data were thematically Skills analysed to identify themes and patterns (Braun & Clarke, 2006; Vaismoradi, The evolution of the role of the social worker Turunen, & Bondas, 2013). After the in the sexual violence field was described interviews were transcribed, the first author by the participants as having moved from a read the transcripts closely, identified short-term crisis focus to a comprehensive recurring thoughts and ideas, then grouped holistic approach. Social work practice those ideas to form themes. Following usual then was seen to have expanded into a qualitative processes, the identified themes multifaceted, long-term practice. were then used to explore the similarities and differences in the perspectives of the There’s a huge skill set that’s required participants. actually as it’s a fairly sophisticated level of social work. And it involves everything from making safe, psycho-education, Findings practical supports, advocacy through to Participants described their roles as therapy sometimes. (SW 1) multifaceted and complex involving a wide range of practice including psycho- Conversely, the participants suggested education, practical support, advocacy, sexual violence social workers contracted and long-term therapeutic work. Due by the Accident Compensation Corporation to the sophisticated level of social work (ACC) may have a more restricted scope, practice considered necessary within the with ACC considering “social work as more sexual violence field, they emphasised their of a community type role where you will social work skills, knowledge, and values take someone to a WINZ [Work and Income extended beyond that of generic social work. New Zealand] appointment and take them Upholding boundaries was viewed as a home” (SW 3). primary responsibility and self-care for social workers was also considered crucial. These The fundamental social work skills of themes are discussed below. listening, having empathy, counselling and

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assessment were emphasised by participants. understandings of other professionals about Having the skills to normalise and validate the scope of social work practice. the client’s feelings was highlighted and attention was paid to the skill of being non- Participants suggested that teamwork judgemental: approaches also assist in the creation of a therapeutic environment. While they We are working with people who acknowledged that the social worker is have been judging themselves long often the first person a client may see within enough, they’ve been judged by others their agency and might, therefore, be the long enough, and you’ve got to be so initial person the client is disclosing their careful because they are absolutely experience to, they also highlighted the hypersensitive to any kind of emotional importance of other agency staff: response that you give. So we’ve got to be able to understand that and being But when a client comes in here, I always open minded and non-judgemental are say right from the start really, they are absolutely baseline things. (SW 2) a client of the agency, so individual counsellors don’t have ownership over Participants suggested that the decrease them, they don’t own that client, that in capacity of counsellors in the sexual client is a part of this agency and so we violence field has meant that social all invest in the progress of that client and workers may work alongside clients the outcomes of that client to a certain for extended periods, focusing on both degree. (SW 4) practical and therapeutic methods of practice. The therapeutic work is “highly In particular, participants emphasised relational” and the skills for working in a the importance of social workers having comprehensive therapeutic manner, rather the skills to collaborate with counsellors. than working primarily in a practical Recognising the strengths different and transactional way, were described professionals bring to the client interaction as essential for social workers in this was seen to encourage better client field. What this has meant in practice outcomes. is that social workers may engage in psychosocial support, psychoeducation, Knowledge and the management of the client’s trauma responses. The social workers, however, Several theoretical frameworks were sometimes felt they needed to justify their identified by participants as underpinning skills and knowledge: social work practice in this field such as strengths-based, solution-focused, task- Because a lot of people define social centred, Te Whare Tapa Wha¯, mana- work as all about practical stuff, all about enhancing, systems, and attachment theory. finances. But I have to point out, you Being flexible, adapting to meet the needs don’t do a four-year degree to just go to of individual clients, and using an eclectic WINZ, it’s a lot more than that. And we approach were highlighted. The ecological actually do learn counselling skills, and systems of the clients were recognised by we do that stuff. But I really struggled the participants with strong community to have to justify that and figure out the relationships and a knowledge of context of the work that we’re doing, government structures emphasised as crucial because its crossing way past the practical for enabling positive client outcomes: stuff. (SW 2) A lot of these clients are, they continue to For some participants, utilising these skills be put down, belittled, we’re dealing with in practice has meant challenging the systems that are geared up towards doing

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that like WINZ, Oranga Tamariki, sort of managers to act as mentors and assist with everywhere they go there’s still that real building the knowledge and skill base of a feeling of powerlessness. (SW 2) clinical team within an agency.

Further, specific knowledge about sexual Values violence was considered crucial for good social work practice. This knowledge The value of patience in regard to included understanding the impacts of respecting the client’s experience was sexual violence, trauma-informed practice, expressed by all participants. They power and control, and neuroscience: discussed the social worker role as supporting each client in their individual Knowledge of brain development, journey, remaining non-judgemental knowledge of emotional regulation, some of their choices, and assisting them to of the more detailed aspects of central navigate their problems on their own nervous system regulation, and what that terms. The importance of allowing space looks like, that’s really important when for the client to lead the journey, and for you’re doing trauma work. (SW 4) the social worker to keep at their pace because “it’s their journey, it’s their story, Despite these skills, knowledge and it’s their way” (SW 3) was a consistent values being highlighted as important, message. there was a concern about the limited available training. This included both in Social justice was also identified as a key the initial qualifying training programmes value by participants, however, they and ongoing professional development cautioned that the push for social justice opportunities. While some training may should not dominate the client’s wants focus on generic trauma, the participants and needs. Another value that was of believed there was limited availability of significance was the belief in the “good”. training on the specialist nature of sexual Acknowledgement was given to the nature violence. According to the participants, of sexual violence social work and how “you this gap in relevant training might could begin to view the world through a result in some agencies not employing particular lens and only through that lens. newly qualified social workers or taking So, holding hope is really important, but practicum students. also that belief in the intrinsic good within people” (SW 4). Hope, therefore, was also of There was a concern among participants importance. about the current training and qualifications not adequately addressing the needs Boundaries of the professionals. While participants acknowledged training focused primarily Boundaries were discussed as the on dealing with an initial sexual violence responsibility of the social worker; however, disclosure, they argued that they already these might not always be rigid. Some “are the ones dealing with the disclosures” boundary flexibility, for example, might be (SW 2). Some participants felt that the social acceptable when a social worker is working work curriculum lacked adequate focus holistically; such as when the client needs on trauma-informed practice, thus leaving “connection”, then it would be appropriate qualified social workers with a knowledge to give the client a hug. gap. Participants suggested these gaps could be best addressed by an online course as Therapeutic social work was also this would be accessible for social workers highlighted as a space for having flexibility throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. They in boundaries. The flexibility was seen as also recommended using experienced clinical dependent on the skill level of the individual

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social worker, as it is the responsibility of the in people’s lives and you can equip social worker to remain ethical by working them and empower them with some within their scope and competence: tools to cope with what life throws at them but very seldom can you make Again it’s about being very aware of your everything ok. (SW 4) boundaries and knowing when to stop, when you’ve reached the outer limits of The ability to employ professional and what your scope or knowledge set is and personal boundaries was also described as if you’re going into deeper therapeutic a way to enhance client-centred practice. work then that belongs with the people When a social worker fails to maintain those who’ve got the skills and training and boundaries there may be a risk that “you’re understanding of that. (SW 4) starting to stray a little into your own stuff and you can lose sight of what it is the victim Participants believed that other professionals actually needs in that moment” (SW 4). felt that only counsellors could carry out therapeutic work while social workers Self-care focus on practicalities, and opposed this apparent divide. Increasing opportunities for Self-care was a recurring theme from teamwork across professions was proposed participants. Self-care was discussed in as one way to navigate this boundary relation to the difficult nature of sexual while keeping the scope of social work in violence work with an emphasis on the this field from narrowing. Mutual respect impact of traumatic content on social was emphasised: “we’re not threatened by workers: each other; I think that’s part of the thing. We respect each other’s professional skills Because sometimes you do hear about and judgements” (SW 2). Participants said stuff that’s traumatic to yourself, so that’s having boundaries assists the social worker secondary trauma, so making sure that in working within their scope and being you’re aware of that. Making sure that clear about their role. Participants identified you do discuss things like that. (SW 3) holding boundaries as significant to the work they do with clients as using their own While some participants acknowledged boundaries can be a way to teach clients how the importance of collegial support, there to set boundaries for themselves: was a belief that regular supervision with an experienced practitioner was essential In the work that I do with people, a lot is for self-care. Different forms of supervision about boundary setting for them. Because including internal, external and peer were their boundaries have been so violated deemed valuable. Additionally, utilising across time, they really struggle to cultural supervision within a non-kaupapa understand what the line is. (SW 2) Ma¯ori agency was considered important due to the high number of Ma¯ori clients using the Maintaining a reflective and boundaried services. practice can also assist the social worker in avoiding rescuing behaviours, which could Due to the sensitive nature of sexual violence be particularly harmful in the context of and the current climate of heavy social work sexual violence: caseloads, self-care in this field was viewed as not only the responsibility of individual So, some really good self-awareness social worker, but also of the agency: around boundaries and the realisation that you can’t always make everything I suppose that over 30 years we’ve ok, you can do what you can to make learned a thing or two about how to things, you can ameliorate difficulties “hold”/look after people who work here.

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No one is allowed to work here full time If we’re not fully aware of what our own and we have a lot of supports around stuff is, and we haven’t dealt with it, we people. There’s a lot of team work and a can do a lot of harm to people and to lot of supervision and guidance. We’re ourselves. You can do a lot of harm to pretty clear that you burn people out yourself in this field if you’re triggered by really quickly if you give them ridiculous things. (SW 2) workloads with such intense stuff, so the wrap around is really important from the Given the importance of excellent self-care agency. (SW 1) practice, someone who has had a very recent experience of sexual violence might Boundaries could also be set by individual not be in the right space for working in social workers to sustain their self-care this field. practices. This included having regular working hours and refraining from working Discussion overtime. Learning to say “no” was also advised in order to avoid becoming Sexual violence is a complex, sophisticated saturated in the work. Maintaining the and specialised field of practice for social difference between sympathy and empathy workers. The participants emphasised that was seen as imperative because, “you can this area of social work practice exceeded take on too much of that emotional baggage. that of crisis intervention and practical You’ve got to be able to be empathetic support, and therefore requires an extensive without taking on their stuff” (SW 2). While skill set. Minimal literature on the scope of this may be common practice for social social work practice in the sexual violence workers, the participants reiterated the point field is available although some Aotearoa due to the possibility of secondary trauma New Zealand literature has addressed the and the overall nature of working in the practice of social workers in this area, but sexual violence field. only in the context of them working as therapists (Pack, 2011). Another common social work practice that was highlighted as a boundary to There appears to be an increasing need assist in self-care was that of separating for specialist sexual violence services one’s personal and professional lives. (Whareware-Mika & McPhillips, 2016). One participant felt that their own With limited capacity for counselling personal and professional lives were services, social workers might be required intertwined before entering the sexual to upskill and work more therapeutically. violence field. They discussed how they Therapeutic social work and the had built up the boundary between their therapeutic relationship were identified personal and professional lives by not as key components of social work practice watching violent movies or television in this field. The therapeutic relationship shows, and also by creating boundaries is foundational to sexual violence work around their community presence to and is essential for positive outcomes ensure the confidentiality of those within (Accident Compensation Corporation the community who were accessing the (ACC), 2008; Mortimer et al., 2009; Murphy specialist service. et al., 2011). This finding suggests that there is overlap between social work and Importantly, self-awareness around counselling practices, which is consistent personal triggers and potential danger that with Staniforth and Booysen (2016) who comes with working in this field without recognised that many social workers in having completed personal work first was Aotearoa New Zealand use counselling emphasised by all of the participants, as skills or engage in counselling practice illustrated in this comment: within their social work practice.

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Listening is a critical social work skill, as it An important, but perhaps obvious, finding enables the practitioner to understand the to emerge from the analysis in this study needs of the person they are supporting. is that sexual-violence-specific knowledge Using acceptance to manage the tensions is essential for social work in this field. between one’s worldview and professional The necessity of knowledge around the practice can have a positive impact on the impacts of sexual violence, the brain’s potential guilt and shame felt by the person response to trauma, power and control, who experienced the sexual violence. and trauma-informed practice discussed by Similarly, previous studies that focused the participants is congruent with previous on universal sexual violence work also studies and further supports the idea that emphasised validating and normalising the sexual violence is a specialised field of feelings of someone who has experienced practice requiring specialised knowledge sexual violence, thus leading to the person (Murphy et al., 2011; Pack, 2011; Thorburn, gaining the ability to move away from 2015). Another interesting finding was that, the feelings of guilt and shame (Mortimer while the literature highlighted feminist et al., 2009; Mossman, MacGibbon et theory as central to sexual violence work al., 2009; Murphy et al., 2001; Thorburn, (Jordan, 2013; Jülich et al., 2013; Mossman, 2015). Practising in a non-judgemental and Jordan et al., 2009a; Pack, 2011; Thorburn, accepting way creates the foundation for 2015), participants did not identify any trust and safety within a client’s healing theories of gendered violence as significant process (Mortimer et al., 2009). to their practice.

Having the skills to collaborate as a team The values of patience and keeping pace member, across disciplinary boundaries, with the client was highlighted as significant is an integral part of good practice for to sexual violence social work practice. These social workers. Integrated, wrap-around results further support the idea of self- services are also identified as essential for determination and client choice (Ministry good practice in the sexual violence field of Women’s Affairs, 2009; Murphy et al., and the role of social workers in this space 2011). The notion of hope was also reported could benefit from further recognition by participants as a core value in this field, and understanding. An individual who which is consistent with that of Jirek (2015) experiences sexual violence may have who discussed the potential loss of hope and varying levels of need over time and so change in world view that can arise from counselling and social work practitioners, as secondary trauma. Social justice was also well as other professionals, should continue identified as an essential value, resonating to discover effective ways to work alongside with previous research and the global one another to better support their clients definition of social work (Pack, 2011). (Whareware-Mika & McPhillips, 2016). Agency-wide participation in creating a Creating and maintaining boundaries therapeutic environment is an important in this field were seen to be significant. team approach to practice. The environment Boundaries were described as a tool for of specialist support services can have social work intervention; some people who a direct impact on the well-being of the have experienced sexual violence face a loss person accessing the service (ACC, 2008; of trust and safety (Ministry of Women’s Mossman, Jordan et al., 2009). This can Affairs, 2009; Mossman, MacGibbon et al., include the physical environment, as well as 2009) and teaching them about boundaries the environment created by the interactions can assist in the development of their between staff and clients (Whareware- interpersonal relationships. Boundaries are Mika & McPhillips, 2016). Agency-wide also significant to a social worker’s role, investment in positive client outcomes is so as to ensure rescuing behaviour and foundational to good practice. dependence is avoided (ACC, 2008). Despite

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this, there is an absence of research directly should incorporate, not only disclosures linking boundaries to this field of practice for and the impacts of sexual violence, but social workers. also a robust examination of the theoretical approaches and the most effective social The current study confirmed that self-care is work interventions for this field of practice significant to good practice social work in the (Ministry of Women’s Affairs, 2009; sexual violence field. This finding is aligned Mortimer et al., 2009; Murphy et al., 2011; with other research that found that working Pack, 2011; Thorburn, 2015). in the sexual violence field can have serious impacts on the worker, such as secondary It is recommended to future researchers traumatisation and emotional fatigue and educators that the scope of practice for (Whareware-Mika & McPhillips, 2016). sexual violence social work be identified Self-care also includes personal awareness and included in a general or stand-alone around one’s own triggers and creating qualification, and that the role of social space between the social worker and their workers in this field and how they determine own personal experience of sexual violence. their scope of work be further explored This finding suggests that personal therapy through research. or healing may be a requirement of social workers practising in the sexual violence Due to the small number of participants in the field who have had their own experiences of research, the findings cannot be generalised sexual trauma. Personal trauma treatment or viewed as a representation of all social may then decrease the risk of experiencing workers in the sexual violence field of practice secondary trauma (Way et al., 2007). (Ryan et al., 2007). Nevertheless, the research provides insights into the perspectives of Social workers are encouraged to utilise social workers in the field of sexual violence. multiple types of supervision including The predominantly female influence within external clinical, internal, peer supervision or the study was also a limitation; an increase in collegial support. Pa¯keha¯ and Tauiwi social gender diversity may have yielded different workers working with Ma¯ori should be findings. Another limitation is the use of engaging with cultural supervision to ensure Skype during the data collection; connection culturally responsive and safe practice issues may have limited the natural flow (Whareware-Mika & McPhillips, 2016). of the interview and could have caused Other recent studies have also indicated important data to be missed. that consistent high quality supervision and collegial debriefing lower the risk Conclusion of secondary traumatisation (Jirek, 2015; Michalopoulos & Aparico, 2012). Good practice social work in the sexual violence field is critical for the wellbeing Many studies have called for the creation of people who have experienced sexual of specialist training, education and violence. As a specific scope of practice, qualifications for work in the sexual limited attention has been given to the violence field of practice (Campbell et al., personal and professional development 2001; Ministry of Women’s Affairs, 2009; needs of social workers working in this area. Mortimer et al., 2009; Mossman, MacGibbon Further attention to specialised training et al., 2009b; Thorburn, 2015). Surprisingly opportunities including in boundary setting, then, there is a lack of training, courses and self-care, and skills and knowledge will qualifications focused on sexual violence strengthen current practice. Furthermore, social work in Aotearoa New Zealand and with the high prevalence of sexual violence the training programmes that do exist may in Aotearoa New Zealand and the current not be meeting the needs of frontline social social climate, sexual violence social work is workers. Specialist sexual violence training an important topic for future research.

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