Chapter 6
Conclusion

In this module we have presented a large amount of information for you to consider. We began by discussing our organizing framework and then looked through that lens to gaze back in history, look at the present, and provide principles and exemplars in our characters for educating social workers about domestic violence and disability.

While we still have your attention, we now want to pose principles for social work practice. Although this module is focused on domestic violence and women with disabilities, the principles below, for us, define thoughtful and considered social work practice in all domains of social work concern.

The principles that we list in Table 5 below emerge from our conceptual framework of Explanatory Legitimacy. Because social work practice is embedded within purposive, value-based contexts (DePoy & Gilson, 2003), the ability to distinguish among description, explanation and legitimacy helps to clarify the human phenomena that we encounter and distinguish them from explanations and values that shape responses.

In practicing with disabled victims of domestic violence, the ability to identify harm is critical. Beginning with harm as the basis for social work intervention assures that no woman or group will be excluded from existing services just because the explanations for harm do not fit within explanatory paradigms that structure services for non-disabled women. After harm is identified, the task of then determining if the threshold and explanatory causes fit within legitimate parameters of domestic violence can be undertaken and relevant and socially just responses can be crafted.

Table 5-Principles for Practice

  1. Start with a broad and inclusive description of harm consequence. As discussed by Gilson, DePoy, & Cramer, (2001), consider the areas of vulnerability created by the disabling circumstance before dismissing consequences which do not fit within typical conceptualizations of harm.
  2. Ascertain the extent to which harm consequence meets or exceeds harm threshold. Consider harm threshold relative to the individual or group, rather than as an absolute.
  3. If harm threshold is met, attempt to obtain a description of harm activities and explanations. Be expansive within the delimitation of intent to cause distress.
  4. If the explanations fit with legitimate victimization, seek a relevant response. If not, determine if an alternative service sector is indicated, or if social change is warranted to expand legitimacy determination and response.

We refer you to the excellent practice materials listed in the bibliography for practice techniques and approaches consistent with the principles that we have suggested. Remember, working with diversity requires an open approach. If we begin practice with description, we do not limit ourselves from inclusive social work practice by imposing explanations and eligibility criteria that exclude individuals, such as women with disabilities, who do not fit within traditional theoretical explanations or legitimacy criteria for social work intervention.

 

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