Threats and violence are increasing against New Brunswick social workers, their union says. A professor of social work recommends better access to higher education as a way to address problems with recruitment, retention and burnout.
Union says social media and shortage of social workers have made challenging conditions worse
Hope Edmond · CBC News
· Posted: Aug 21, 2026 5:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: 2 hours ago
Listen to this article
Estimated 4 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Shawna Morton, president of CUPE 1418, says a social worker was assaulted during a home visit in Rexton. (Tara King-Stewart/CBC)
Threats and violence are increasing against New Brunswick social workers, who are already suffering the effects of a workforce shortage, their union says.
Shawna Morton, president of CUPE 1418, said a social worker was assaulted in July while conducting a home visit.
The social worker was physically injured and suffered a concussion, Morton said. She went to an emergency room but left after waiting for six hours without being seen.
RCMP said they responded to an assault complaint on King Street in Rexton, a rural community north of Moncton, the morning of July 14. A man was arrested and is to appear in court Sept.
This story was brought to Nouzie by RSS. The original post can be found on https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/social-workers-shortage-threats-9.7313987?cmp=rss
