Individual Practice SWES Practice Test

What intervention should a social worker avoid when assisting a client who has identified family violence?

1. Exploring her history of relationships

2. Discussing safety plans

3. Confronting her about seeking conflict

4. Providing emotional support

The correct answer is: Confronting her about seeking conflict

When assisting a client who has identified family violence, it is crucial for a social worker to approach the situation with sensitivity and understanding. Confronting the client about seeking conflict can be detrimental as it may put the client in a defensive position, making her feel blamed or judged for the violence she is experiencing. This approach can lead to further isolation or denial of the abuse, as the client might perceive it as a lack of support or empathy from the social worker. In contrast, exploring the client's history of relationships can help uncover patterns of behavior and the dynamics involved in her experiences with violence. Discussing safety plans is essential to ensure the client's well-being and to prepare her for potential future incidents. Providing emotional support fosters trust and helps the client feel validated in her feelings and experiences, which is particularly important in situations of trauma. Thus, avoiding the confrontational approach maintains a safe and supportive environment for the client to discuss her experiences and seeks assistance effectively.