How Theory Shapes Practice: Approaches to Woman Abuse and Child Abuse in South Africa

Research internationally and in South Africa attribute the deficit in our understanding of the link between child and woman abuse by an intimate male partner of the mother as being largely due to the different theoretical frameworks adopted by social workers with significant implications for practice. Social workers working with abused children tend to adopt a child-centred approach, putting the needs of the child first, whilst those working with abused women adopt a feminist approach, prioritising the needs of the woman. This article examines the impact of theory on practice with particular reference to the link between woman and child abuse. The two predominant theoretical approaches adopted when addressing this phenomenon are explored looking at their basic tenets and assumptions, the critique of the approach, and policy developments and practice in the local context. Finally, a third theoretical framework that integrates the strengths of these two theoretical approaches is proposed.