Our duty to care-but at what cost? A report on the violence experienced by residential care staff in the Health Service Executive-Mid Western Area. Georgina Burke Cork Institute of Technology Dissertation presented as part of degree in social studies

Aim of study To examine the frequency and type of violence in residential care To examine the frequency and type of violence in residential care To explore the effects on the staff member To explore the effects on the staff member To ascertain which supports are presently available to social care staff To ascertain which supports are presently available to social care staff To investigate whether social care staff believe that there is a link between high rates of staff turnover and high levels of violence at work To investigate whether social care staff believe that there is a link between high rates of staff turnover and high levels of violence at work

“For the caring profession, violence is an integral part of the job: Frightening, Unacceptable but Inevitable” “For the caring profession, violence is an integral part of the job: Frightening, Unacceptable but Inevitable” (Bibby, 94) (Bibby, 94)

Why study violence in residential care??? Violence threatens the safety of staff and young people Violence threatens the safety of staff and young people Violence against staff is unacceptable and management have a duty to protect their staff from violence Violence against staff is unacceptable and management have a duty to protect their staff from violence A reduction in violence will vastly improve the quality of care given to the young people we work with A reduction in violence will vastly improve the quality of care given to the young people we work with

Methodology Questionnaires sent to all residential care workers in Mid West HSE: 60 returned Questionnaires sent to all residential care workers in Mid West HSE: 60 returned Interviews with 5 staff members Interviews with 5 staff members

Main findings extent of violence 98% of staff have experienced violence 98% of staff have experienced violence Over 50% of the sample experienced being punched, kicked, slapped + pushed Over 50% of the sample experienced being punched, kicked, slapped + pushed 96.5% had been verbally abused 96.5% had been verbally abused 93% have been threatened with assault 93% have been threatened with assault

“The threats are the hardest thing to deal with, you're afraid that it could happen any time…you’re anxious and afraid because its happened before” “The threats are the hardest thing to deal with, you're afraid that it could happen any time…you’re anxious and afraid because its happened before”

Effects of violence on staff Stress: 88% Stress: 88% Anger: 77% Anger: 77% Anxiety about safety: 72% Anxiety about safety: 72% Physical injury: 53% Physical injury: 53% Fear of resident: 53% Fear of resident: 53% Powerlessness: 63% Powerlessness: 63% Fear of returning to work: 47% Fear of returning to work: 47%

Interviewee results on effect of violence “If there is a culture of violence and violence is a daily occurrence then even before you go into work, when you wake up, you don’t want to go in. So when you do you’re feeling negative…the constant threat of assault is very wearing. You’re getting through each day. I’ve worked in centres where I’ve heard people say ‘I hope I get a good belt early’ rather than be bullied all day long.” (Lisa)

“who wants to work in an environment whereby you get punched, kicked and threatened on a regular basis?...its difficult to go home with a black eye or split lip. Its just a job at the end of the day” “who wants to work in an environment whereby you get punched, kicked and threatened on a regular basis?...its difficult to go home with a black eye or split lip. Its just a job at the end of the day”

Is there a link between high staff turnover and high levels of violence??? “The main reason for high staff turnover is the level of violence even if its only verbal abuse” 86% felt that there was a link between violence and turnover of staff 74% had considered leaving the area of work themselves due to violence

Lack of support for staff “A lot of staff have now left the service due to a lack of support following violence at work” “The main reason for high staff turnover lies in the dearth of organisational support for staff at every level”

Effect on work practice “it leaves you feeling powerless, you become fearful of the child and it hinders you in your job, you cant go in and do you’re job when you’re afraid of being physically hurt, this is a real fear for a lot of people. You feel you cant challenge the young people, you give into them”

RECOMMENDATIONS A clear policy for managing violence A clear policy for managing violence Additional training Additional training Additional supports and clear guidelines Additional supports and clear guidelines A culture where violence is unacceptable A culture where violence is unacceptable Further research to discover why violence occurs and to examine how best to prevent it Further research to discover why violence occurs and to examine how best to prevent it

OUR DUTY TO CARE- BUT AT WHAT COST? OUR DUTY TO CARE- BUT AT WHAT COST?