Studies on the workplace protection of social workers indicate that this group is at high risk of being subjected to client violence during their careers. In this article, we report on the qualitative phase of a larger study investigating client violence among South African social workers. The objective of this study was to explore South African social workers’ experiences of client violence. We used a purposively selected sample to identify participants for semi-structured qualitative interviews. The data were analysed by implementing Tesch’s approach of thematic analysis. The primary themes that emerged are normalising client violence, identifying precursors to violence, defining elements in the process and the aftermath of client violence. These themes and related subthemes were used to construct a conceptual model to better understand the client violence in the delivery of social work services in South Africa. We conclude with recommendations for further research in this area.

Background Research shows that the most typical response to client violence has been to implement policies that safeguard social workers at their workplaces. This article examined, through a document analysis, the international norms for the protection of social workers. The goal of the document analysis was to inform policy development in South Africa against client violence. Methods The researchers found, selected, analysed, and synthesised 17 international policies, frameworks, protocols, guidelines, and legislative frameworks using the applied thematic analysis (ATA) approach. The data was analysed at three levels, and open coding yielded 18 codes. Results The codes were refined into three main themes and subthemes related to protecting social workers from client violence: (1) employers inspired a culture of safety and security within the work-environment, (2) social workers prioritised their safety by using their clinical skills, and (3) actively implementing initiatives to ensure the safety of social workers. Conclusions The research highlighted social work safety while providing services at an office, visiting sites, or traveling. Examining these practicalities provided valuable data that can inform policy development processes in different countries.

Background: Research shows that the most typical response to client violence has been to implement policies that safeguard social workers at their workplaces. This article examined international norms for the protection of social workers through document analysis. The goal of the document analysis was to inform policy development in South Africa against client violence. Methods: The researchers found, selected, analysed, and synthesised 17 international policies, frameworks, protocols, guidelines, and legislative frameworks using the applied thematic analysis (ATA) approach. The data was analysed at three levels, and open coding yielded 18 codes. Results: The codes were refined into three main themes and subthemes related to protecting social workers from client violence: (1) employers inspired a culture of safety and security within the work-environment, (2) social workers prioritised their safety by using their clinical skills, and (3) actively implementing initiatives to ensure the safety of social workers. Conclusions: The research highlighted social work safety while providing services at an office, visiting sites, or traveling. Examining these practicalities provided valuable data that can inform policy development processes in different countries.