Family violence – the scale of the phenomenon, its victims and social workers’ forms of help

Abstract

Man is a free being and possesses his dignity. Thus each act directed against man’s personal freedom is understood as an act of violence. Making a man do something contrary to his will is also violence. The analysis of statistics concerning family violence shows that this problem has been increasing over the last few years. Data showing the number of interventions connected directly with family violence done by the police indicate clearly that this number is growing yearly. Violence is a phenomenon really alarming today’s family, its scale is expanding and it concerns generally women and children. All organisations should start acting to prevent this phenomenon. These organisations include: courts, the police, social help offices and other societies. We have only one life and it should be protected and lived in dignity. Unfortunately, family home, which should be full of warmth, love and tolerance is sometimes a place of pain, suffering and tragedy. Its is good that social workers not only diagnose this problem but also help victims of family violence. In this way individuals, who suffer because of the problem do not feel alienated as there is someone who gives them a helping hand.