Thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work, Massey University.

This research is concerned with the relationship between social work theory and social work practice. The practice context for the discussion is intervention with men who have been convicted of violence towards their respective female partner, and the agency context is the Community Corrections Service in New Zealand. The central argument surrounds the development of an integrated model of practice, one which combines a valid theoretical base with appropriate practice skills to ensure that service delivery can meet the identified needs of the relevant stakeholders (in this case the agency, practitioners, clients and victims). The Integrated Domestic Violence Practice Model (IDVPM), developed as part of this investigation, forms the subject of the third chapter. In the first section, the relationship between social work theory and practice is explored and five key debates are considered (the influence of the scientific model, the influence of values, the integration of theory and practice, the utility of eclecticism, and the notion of empowerment). The IDVPM is then presented, which includes consideration of the three distinct areas of knowledge from which the model has been developed: domestic violence practice theory; a case management perspective; and issues surrounding the assessment of effectiveness. This discussion traverses the positivist and interpretivist research traditions and grounded theory. A review of the substantive themes which have emerged from the research data follows. The distinctive features and implications of the Probation Officer, client and victim perspectives are also reviewed.--AUTHOR'S ABSTRACT

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