Freya Barrington has been spat at, threatened with weapons and held hostage by angry parents. Her crime: 14 years as a child protection social worker.

“Some people who read about my experience ask me whether this is how it really is. I have not exaggerated at all but rather played it down, as I don’t think people would believe how bad it is at times,” she told The Sunday Times of Malta.

Ms Barrington, was in Malta recently to speak about her personal experience as a social worker, which she has documented in Known to Social Services. Earlier this year, the book was Amazon UK’s social work bestseller.

She speaks of a case mentioned in the book when a social worker tries to gain access to a house after a health officer expresses concern that three-month-old Daniel is underweight.

However, whenever the social worker knocks on the door, the mother pretends she is not at home. She eventually tricks her way in by pretending to sell cosmetics.

The book, based on Ms Barrington’s experience, but with fictitious names and details, features cases of domestic violence and genital mutilation, among others. But it also draws a vivid picture of the risk of social work.

Social workers have to be cautious during home visits, having their keys handy and sitting close to the door.

He had put his previous partner in hospital and went around the house with a chainsaw chopping up everything, including the children’s toys

Once, Ms Barrington, accompanied by a student, visited a mother-of-two who was in a relationship with a man whose three children had been adopted because he was extremely violent.

He had put his previous partner in hospital and went around the house with a chainsaw chopping up everything, including the children’s toys.

“I had not been involved in his case but I had written to this lady after we were informed of their relationship through the children’s school.

“When I got there and sat down, he sat opposite me and just launched into a torrent of abuse. I picked up my bag and said we were leaving but he blocked our way screaming: you’re not leaving, you’re not going anywhere.”

The man got worked up and accused her of taking away his own children. With her phone within easy reach and 999 on her speed dial, she called the emergency number.

He eventually let her out of the house and was subsequently arrested.

Ms Barrington believes that no matter where they are, social workers have to deal with similar issues and frustrations.

Any social worker in any country would say they have too much bureaucratic work and not enough time to visit children, she notes.