Consequences of client violence towards the social worker: A systematic review

Abstract

Client violence towards social workers is a phenomenon with serious consequences that affect the professional, service and organisation. However, it is not known what effect such violence has on each. A systematic review of 26 studies found that the consequences have an impact on the social worker, the service and the organisation. In particular, it affects the health of the social worker, the professional relationship the professional relationship with the client and organisational functioning. It is stressed that prevention measures should be holistic and comprehensive to reduce violence, focusing on actions involving the professional and influencing organisational and contextual policies.