DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

Family violence ensues in various forms of which domestic violence is one among other forms of abuse and aggression that produce crises in the family. Drawing from crisis theorists, Lindeman families have various kinds of crises such as abuse and violent behavior (DV), infidelity, economic distress, illness and disability, death and grief. Here, we will discuss family violence with domestic violence undertone. When abuse and violent behavior happens within the family circle, it is termed as family violence or domestic violence. It ranges from couple, intimate partner abuse (DV) to child (physical assault, neglect, emotional abuse), and elderly abuse. Abuse is any harm done to a person which can be physical, psychological, or sexual in nature.

This study investigates the impact of social work intervention in caring for the elderly in Egor Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State. The research aims to identify the challenges faced by the elderly in the region and examine the effectiveness of social work interventions in improving their well-being and quality of life. A mixed-method research design was employed, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods. The study's findings are expected to highlight the crucial role of social workers in providing emotional support, facilitating access to necessary resources, and promoting empowerment and self-management among the elderly. The study's results will have significant implications for policy and practice, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address the healthcare challenges faced by the elderly in Egor Local Government Area.

This study examined the Social Work Intervention Strategies and Rehabilitation Outcome for Victims of Child Labour in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Child labour remains a critical social problem that threatens the educational attainment, health, and overall development of children. It is driven by multiple factors, including poverty,unemployment, cultural practices, and family disintegration, which often expose childrento exploitation, abuse, and long-term psychosocial challenges. Social work intervention offers a professional framework for addressing these issues by providing preventive, remedial, and rehabilitative support aimed at rescuing, protecting, and reintegrating affected children into society. The objectives of the study were to: identify the causes of child labour in Egor Local Government Area, examine the socio-economic and cultural factors influencing child labour practices, explore the effectiveness of social work intervention strategies in the rehabilitation of victims, assess the roles of families, schools, and communities in supporting rehabilitation, and investigate the challenges confronting social workers in implementing interventions. The study was anchored on the Ecological Systems Theory as theoretical frameworks. A quantitative survey research design was adopted. The study population comprised children engaged in child labour, their families, social workers, and community stakeholders within Egor LGA. A sample size of 400 respondents was selected using multi-stage sampling procedures. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire validated by experts in social work, while reliability was ensured through test–retest methods. Findings revealed that poverty, broken homes, peer pressure, lack of parental supervision, cultural practices, and economic hardship are major causes of child labour. The study further showed that while social workers play important roles in counseling, advocacy, rescue operations, and community sensitization, their effectiveness is limited by inadequate resources, policy gaps, and low institutional recognition. The study recommended, among others, that government should strengthen child protection policies, integrate professional social workers into community and school systems, and provide sustainable economic and educational support for vulnerable families. Communities and families should also be sensitized to their roles in preventing child labour, while NGOs and stakeholders should collaborate with social workers to improve rehabilitation outcomes. Keywords: Child Labour, Social Work, Intervention Strategies, Rehabilitation,

Graetz (2006) asserts that all learning takes place in a physical environment with quantifiable and perceptible physical characteristics, be it in a large lecture hall, underneath a tree, or in front of a computer screen. Lizzio, Wilson and Simons (2002) identified the learning environment as a major variable in the interacting system of the learning process. Learning environment and how it is perceived by the students or learners have been identified as having major influence on both learning processes and outcomes. In this regard, Frenzel, Pekrun and Goetz (2007) reports that numerous studies have clearly demonstrated the significant relationship between perceived learning environmentand student achievement. Randhawa and Michayluk (1974) attribute much of the reliable variance in student performance to the aptitude of the learner and the environment of learning. In the view of Zhu, Valcke, Schellens and Li (2009), the quality of student learning seems to be closely related to their perceptions of the learning environment.

This study examines Social work intervention on unemployment among the Nigeria youths, using Oredo Local Government in Edo State. Nigeria has come a long waysince1922 in terms of the number and spread of political parties. Unemployment continues to be a global issue even as the world population continues to increase. Some countries have effectively put in place policies that mitigate this growing issue while others have failed to plan and continue to suffer the consequences of their actions and inactions on a daily basis. The study adopts a survey design and employs quantitative research methods. Primary data is collected through structured questionnaires administered. The sample size is determined using Taro Yamane 1967 sample size determination formula, yielding approximately 218 respondents, selected through stratified random sampling to ensure proportional representation. The data collected from the instruments were organized in tables using simple percentages. Cronbach’s Alpha is employed to test the reliability of the research instrument, ensuring consistency in measuring the variables. Findings from the study revealed that there are social work interventions on unemployment among the Nigeria Youths. It was also revealed that there is a relationship between the youth unemployment rate and the gross domestic product of Nigeria. The study offers valuable recommendations that Professional associations, such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASoW), should implement membership education and continuing education programmes for recertification, ensuring members stay informed about social welfare policies and programmes. This initiative will empower them to engage relevant stakeholders effectively in efforts to reduce youth unemployment.

This study explored the roles of social workers in hospital settings with a specific focus on the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The increasing complexities of patients' biopsychosocial needs in modern healthcare systems necessitate a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, of which social work plays a critical role. The study adopted a case study research design comprising both quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (interview) data collection methods to explore the various roles undertaken by social workers within the hospital setting. Specifically, the research investigated how social workers contribute to patient care, psychosocial assessments, discharge planning, mental health support, advocacy, and policy development in the hospital environment. A total of 131 questionnaires were distributed to healthcare professionals and patients, while 10 in-depth interviews were conducted with practicing social workers at UBTH. Findings revealed that social workers are pivotal in bridging the gap between the medical and psychosocial needs of patients, advocating for patient rights, coordinating care plans, and providing emotional and psychological support to both patients and their families. Challenges such as limited recognition, understaffing, and poor working conditions were also identified. The study concluded with recommendations aimed at improving the visibility, support, and operational environment for hospital social workers in Nigeria. Keywords: Social work, social worker, hospital setting, patient care, inter-professional collaboration.

This study explores the level of knowledge and awareness of social work practice among students of the University of Benin. Social work, as a professional field, plays a vital rolein promoting human well-being, advocating for social justice, and enhancing the quality of life of individuals, families, and communities. Despite its growing significance in contemporary society, social work remains a misunderstood and under appreciated discipline, particularly among university students who are expected to be future change agents. The research assessed the extent to which students from various faculties and departments understand the goals, principles, and practical applications of social work. It also investigates factors that influence awareness levels, such as faculty of study, exposure to social work education, and participation in social intervention programs. The methodology adopted for this study is a quantitative survey research design, aimed at
collecting numerical data that can be statistically analyzed. A structured questionnaire was developed and distributed to a stratified random sample of 500 undergraduate students across different faculties within the University of Benin. The questionnaire contained both closed and open-ended questions designed to measure students' awareness, understanding, and perceptions of social work as a discipline and profession. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency tables and percentages) and inferential statistics (Chi-square tests) to determine the relationship between students' demographic variables and their level of awareness. The findings revealed significant gaps in knowledge about social work practice among students, with recommendations geared toward improving social work visibility and integration into general university curricula. Ultimately, the study underscores the need for greater advocacy and educational campaigns to raise awareness and promote the relevance of social work in national development, especially in higher education institutions such as the University of Benin
social work in national development, especially in higher education institutions suchasthe University of Benin

This study focused on mental health awareness and stigma among students and staff in the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Benin. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A total of five (5) research questions were formulated to guide the investigation. The population of the study comprised 3,194 students across all departments within the Faculty of Social Sciences. The sample size consisted of 500 respondents, distributed as follows: 100 from Sociology and Anthropology, 100 from Social Work, 100 from Political Science, 100 from Economics and Statistics, 25 from Geography, and 75 from Public Administration. A structured questionnaire was used as the primary instrument for data collection. Data obtained were analyzed statistically and presented in tables showing frequencies and percentages of responses. Findings from the study revealed the level of mental health awareness and stigma among both students and faculty members. The study also identified various ways to control stigma within the faculty and proposed recommendations to enhance mental health promotion and reduce discrimination. These include: institutionalizing mental health education, establishing and strengthening support systems, implementing regular awareness campaigns, encouraging peer support initiatives, training faculty and administrative staff, and engaging university leadership in mental health advocacy

This study examined Social Work Interventions for Substance Abuse by Youth, Their Effectiveness and Challenges in Ekosodin, Edo State, Nigeria. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from youths and social workers through questionnaires and interviews. Findings revealed that peer pressure, unemployment, and family instability are key factors influencing youth substance abuse. Social work interventions such as counselling, rehabilitation, and community sensitization were identified, though their effectiveness was limited by inadequate funding, stigma, and lack of facilities. The study concludes that while social work interventions have a positive impact, stronger government support and community involvement are needed to enhance their effectiveness.

This study focuses on evaluating the causes of intimate partner violence in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State, and five research questions were formulated to guide the study. The study employed a descriptive research design. The population for the study comprised of seven thousand six hundred and seventy-nine (7,679) residence in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. Random sampling techniques were used in the selection of respondents, the sample size was made up of two hundred (200) randomly selected respondents from Ovia North East Local Government Area in Edo state. The findings show that domestic violence can adversely affect the physiological, psychological, emotional, financial, wellbeing of a victim and any witness when the crime is carried out. It was observed that domestic violence can lead to death of victim in most severe cases, majority of the respondent
agreed that the education of a girl child can be disrupted or harshly affected thereby causing depression, loss of interest in school activities and even the abuse of hard drugs amongst others and It is observed that social workers are capable of sensitizing the general public about the cases of domestic violence and its effect and educating them on how to report cases of domestic violence as the protection against domestic violence is a very important in the achievement of a healthy family and society at large. This work also recommended that Seminars should be organized to enlighten girl child on the disadvantages of cohabiting with a partner and rehabilitation centers should be built, adequately structured and equipped with well trained
professionals from every related field of concern in order to enhance the behaviours of the perpetrator