ABSTRACT
The conversations provide guidance for dialogue between the social worker and the person who is using violence. The Latin root of the word 'conversation' comes from the idea of conversion and change. Reflecting the essence of person-centred social work, the conversations also recognise the reality that positive change towards safety and non-violence cannot be forced on someone or achieved by some sort of manipulation. Exceptions to the use of violence that are presented should be identified and affirmed. The conversation should allow the person to evaluate their own actions and draw their own conclusions. The person will also need to agree and commit to actively thinking about, reflecting on and reporting back on the issue of violence within her or his life between face-to-face contacts. The check-in and closure are the book-end elements for each individual session. Between the check-in and the closure, there may be up to four core elements that may be worked through.
