Promoting Non-Violence: Social Work Conversations about Violence

The use of violence within relationships, families or communities is a major public health issue across the world. As such, it will continue to require global, strategic and preventative measures across educational, social care and criminal justice systems. This book draws on the author’s gritty practice experience, social work values, knowledge and research to provide detailed guidance on how to best respond directly to those who carry out this common violence.

Eight face-to-face conversations between a social worker and the person using violence are depicted and used to present the necessary elements for a dialogue which continually seeks to promote non-violence. These conversations pick up on some key messages from the successful Northern Ireland Peace Process and are firmly rooted in social work practice. They will also contribute to the difficult risk decisions that always need to be taken when violence is being used. The reader is offered choice and discretion as to how these conversations can be used by social workers, from short opportunity-led interactions to a lengthier, more structured interventions – promoting non-violence.

Offering a positive response to the challenge of ‘common’ violence in a clear and accessible manner, this book should be considered essential reading for students, researchers and practitioners. The author's royalties will be donated to a third world charity project working with victims of domestic violence.

Gerry Heery is a registered Independent Social Worker, Trainer and Consultant. He began his career as a residential social worker in 1978 and has continued to work with people across the family and childcare and criminal justice systems in Belfast and Northern Ireland. Much of his practice has been with those whose use of violence is causing harm and distress within relationships, families and communities. He has contributed to, developed and published a range of interventions aimed at helping those who have been using such violence to desist. He lives in Belfast with his wife Máire, and has five children and two grandchildren.