Preparing for Domestic Violence and Associated Trauma: Are We Ready?

Domestic violence is an important problem to consider amongst societal issues today. Statistics have consistently shown high rates of violence across the country, and many cases go unreported. Even if survivors are able to escape their situations, trauma often casts a long shadow after the abuse is gone. A best practice model that has been utilized in Tennessee is that of Family Justice Centers. These centers utilize a co-located model to give survivors multiple services in a centralized location. As these organizations find their beginnings, attention is being noted to how social work students are being prepared for such settings. Social work education provides future service providers the knowledge and skills for practice, but how exactly are future practitioners being taught about how to work with victims of domestic violence and associated trauma? This research studied the curricula of Tennessee’s CSWE-accredited social work programs. The research study hoped to provide insight into how social work students are prepared to work with clients of domestic violence and associated trauma in the classroom, and also provide recommendations for further research, policy, and practice