Essay On Critical Reflection

After reading my first critical reflection paper the one thought that keeps scrolling in my brain is, “how naive I have been concerning IVP/domestic violence”. I remember not wanting to “label” myself as a “victim” because “I am and was not ever a VICTIM!” I was strong and able to leave that relationship so how does that make me a victim? How naive for me to think in that manner. I like to rename this “Critical Reflection Paper II, to “Enlightenment Paper”. I also have been taught a new word to replace “victim”, I am a survivor! My experience may not have been as sever as others but just the same, I am a survivor if IVP. I recall in our text, chapter 2 pg. 29, “Women’s perceptions and reactions to abuse, as well as the help available to them, are influenced by the lens through which they see the world and the intersectionality of the different cultural influences on their lives” (Lockhart, L., and Danis, F. 2010). Our experiences are defined by how we see the world, not
I was asked at the end of my first reflection paper “would you be able to help those that decided to stay?” Thanks to this learning experience, yes I feel I would. I have learned how to help those who decide to stay, and teach and educate them in how to empower themselves in their unique situation. No abusive situation is the same as another, they my be similar but every survivor has their own story and situation. As a social worker we have to be ready to help and teach each survivor their own course of action to take in their unique situation. Second, I am so thankful in our discussion week 6, I had mentioned family counseling, more thinking of the survivor and child counseling but was informed that family counseling was not feasible when it involves IPV, that this could escalate the situation to dangerous levels. I had not considered this prior and am thankful for being made aware of this potential danger