A recent survey reveals alarming levels of violence against social workers in Iceland, impacting their families, especially their children, raising concerns about the systemic nature of these incidents.
A recent article from the Icelandic news outlet Visir reports on the disturbing findings of a survey regarding social workers' experiences with violence and harassment. It highlights that many social workers and their families often feel unsafe and fearful, with over half indicating they have experienced violence in their professional roles. Furthermore, it notes that a significant number of social workers have expressed worries specifically for their children's safety, leading to the implementation of protective measures such as emergency contact features on their phones that alert authorities when needed.
The survey, which was discussed by Thelma Eyfjörð Jónsdóttir, a member of the Ethical Committee of the Icelandic Social Workers’ Association, points towards an alarming reality where violence against social workers appears to be systematic, rather than an isolated problem. Thelma highlighted that 75% of violent incidents reported by social workers do not reach law enforcement, indicating a troubling trend where such occurrences are often underreported or go unacknowledged. This underreporting not only compromises the safety of social workers but potentially affects the families they strive to protect.
As social workers are vital to safeguarding vulnerable populations, these findings underscore an urgent need for systemic change and enhanced protective measures within the profession. The call for action is clear: there is a pressing requirement for authorities to recognize and respond to the threats faced by social workers and their families substantively to ensure their safety and effectiveness in their roles.
