ABSTRACT
Whilst, on the whole, fears of violence may not be supported by evidence, it is clear that certain occupations carry a special risk of violent attack. Information about violence against social workers shows a disturbing pattern of threats and actual physical assaults. While all the indicators are of growing violence and/or greater awareness and readiness to report violent incidents, the absence of uniform reporting and monitoring systems makes comparisons over time difficult and unreliable. Rowett's work at the Institute of Criminology suggested that the 'actual national incidence rate is dramatically higher than had previously been supposed'. Surveys have produced information which suggests that many violent incidents are not reported. In 1989 the National Association of Local Government Officers (NALGO) commissioned an independent survey of social workers in six local authorities. Social workers are concerned to help clients, and have difficulty in reconciling this with clear evidence that the client views the worker as unhelpful or controlling.
