Professional Social Work Practice in Managing Domestic Violence Cases in Lagos State Welfare Centres

Domestic violence case management demands professional competence that bridges psychosocial support, legal referral, and survivor-centred advocacy. This study evaluates professional social work practice in managing domestic violence cases within welfare centres operated by the Lagos State Government, South West Nigeria. A mixed-method design combining structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews is employed, targeting 80 qualified social workers and welfare managers in Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Surulere. Data are analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis for qualitative components. The study finds that social workers in these centres perform risk assessments, psychosocial counselling, legal advocacy, and safety planning for domestic violence survivors. However, significant professional practice gaps are identified, including inadequate continuing professional development, inconsistent supervision structures, and limited use of standardised case management tools. High caseloads reduce the time available for comprehensive case follow-up, and male survivors of domestic violence are systematically underserved by existing service models. Findings also indicate weak inter-agency coordination between welfare centres and law enforcement, hampering timely protective action. The study recommends establishing regular peer supervision for social workers in welfare settings, standardising domestic violence case management protocols, and developing gender-inclusive service models that acknowledge male victimhood. This study contributes professional development evidence to social work management practice in Lagos. Keywords: domestic violence, professional social work, case management, Lagos State, welfare centres