School social workers and school violence: personal safety, training, and violence programs

This article reports findings from a national survey that questioned school social workers on school violence. The article focuses on personal reports of victimization, precautions taken to avoid victimization, training needs to deal with school violence, programs in schools, and social workers' involvement with violence intervention. Findings suggest that many respondents believe social skills programs are not as effective as ecological interventions. Findings also indicate that the majority of school social workers have received school violence prevention training. These skills could be used in a national effort to reduce school violence. The authors recommend specific strategies for increasing the school social workers' role in school-based violence prevention efforts.