Table 2 Themes, theme definitions, and relevant codes

Theme 1

Employers inspired a culture of safety and security in the work-environment

To protect social workers from client violence, employers provided guiding principles, attitudes, and key determinants to aid in the coordination of plans, goals, and policies

1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 2.3; 2.4; 4.2; 4.4; 5.1; 5.2

Subtheme 1 (a)

Protecting social workers from post-incident trauma

Following acts of client violence, employers implemented protocols to manage the incidents and to protect social workers from additional trauma

1.1; 1.2; 5.1; 5.2

Subtheme 1 (b)

Continuous training contributed to improved skills

Social workers were provided with ongoing training to empower them to deal with client violence

1.1; 1.3; 3.2; 5.2

Theme 2

Social workers prioritised their safety by using their clinical skills

The importance of clinical social work skills in dealing with client violence is underlined

1.2; 1.4; 2.2; 2.3; 3.1; 4.3; 3.2; 3.3; 4.1; 4.2; 4.4

Subtheme 2 (a)

A thorough risk assessment was encouraged

Social workers were motivated to undertake holistic risk assessments to identify circumstances where client violence may occur

1.1; 1.2; 2.2; 3.1; 4.3; 3.2; 4.1; 4.2; 4.4

Subtheme 2 (b)

Transparent communication between the social worker and the client

Clear communication is a crucial element in managing client violence

2.3; 3.1; 3.2

Subtheme 2 (c)

Social workers reflected on their own vulnerabilities

In terms of client violence, psychological readiness, self-awareness and study of vulnerabilities are effective preventative methods

2.1; 3.1; 4.3

Theme 3

Actively implementing initiatives to ensure the safety of social workers

Initiatives that led to improved safety during office work, field visits and safe travelling

1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 2.1; 2.2; 2.3; 2.4; 3.1; 3.2; 3.3; 4.1; 4.2; 4.3; 4.4; 5.2

Subtheme 3 (a)

Logistical strategies to ensure safety

Logistical solutions for supporting social workers in a time-efficient manner are investigated

2.3; 2.4; 3.1; 3.2

Subtheme 3 (b)

Safety strategies while travelling

Specific measures for assisting social workers while on the road are identified

2.1; 4.3; 3.2; 3.3; 4.2

Subtheme 3 (c)

Improve safekeeping by using new technology

Modern technology was used to help protect social workers from client violence

1.2; 2.4; 3.2; 4.2; 4.3

Subtheme 3 (d)

Ensure safety by involving trusted others

When the social workers thought they were in danger, they involved trusted others

2.3; 2.4; 3.1; 3.2; 4.2

Subtheme 3 (e)

Interaction between the organisation and the social worker

The overall safety of social workers is supported when there is communication between the social worker and the employer

2.3; 2.4; 3.1; 3.2; 3.3; 4.3;