Hypothetical Case Study Childhood Sexual Abuse Social Work Essay

Hypothetical Case Study Childhood Sexual Abuse Social Work Essay This presentation analyzes a hypothetical case study of a young girl aged six and a half years who was taken for treatment by her mother, as a result of the girls sexual abuse by her mothers boyfriend. The court has ordered Melissa and her mother Asher to go for treatment after the judge and the social workers dealing with the case established that Melissas claims of being sexually abused were true. When the assessment began, Melissa was 6 years old, and her mother was 27 years old. Asher had been married at 20years but was divorced from Melissas father and had completely distanced herself from him. At the time of the case, Asher had moved in with her boyfriend, Tony, for about year and half. He had started molesting Melissa around seven months earlier. At first Melissa could not open up to her mother because Tony had threatened to kill her if she told anything to her mother. When Melissa decided to break the silence her mother could not initially believe her, and had brushed it off, but she later decided to investigate when she realized that her daughters behavior had really changed and she had become withdrawn and fearful, it was then that she discovered the shocking revelation of what had been happening to her daughter. The therapists also came to learn that Melissas mother also had an abusive childhood, she came from a broken home whereby her mother had divorce with Ashers abusive and alcoholic dad and worse of it had been sexually abused once. The paper discusses that although the girl is the main patient, she is part of larger system that she is connected to; which is very relevant to her case and also course of treatment. Process of the crisis Urie Bronfenbrenner came up with an ecological systems theory explaining how all things in a child and the childs surroundings have an impact on how the child grows. He examined levels of the environment that impact a childs growth, which include the micro system, the immediate surrounding of a child such as the family relationships, the mesosystem, which describes how the various parts of a childs micro system cooperate in order to help the child. The exosystem level consist of the others that the child may not be in contact with her but still affect her in a big way for example parents workplaces, and relationships Bronfenbrenners final level is macro system; its the most remote set of things to a child but still has a great impact on the child. For example freedoms permitted by the government and cultural values. All these affect how a child develops positively or negatively. Using Urie Bronfenbrenners ecological model, I will examine the context of Melissas case, the impact of the sexual abuse in her life, the preferred treatment for both the mother and child and how to avoid future   abuse. Encompassing the mesosystem is exosystem, the broader settings that define Melissas life, and the macrosystem, the cultural values that determine how she and those surrounding her are required to behave. Through the abuse, Tony violated the expected values, and Ashers early refusal to believe what her daughter told her also cut off the girl from the covering that an individual is supposed to be given by the larger society. Nevertheless, the legal system, which is normally a part of the exosystem, has got into a closer circle of Melissas life and attempts to correct the violations of those close to her (Finkelhor, 1986). This has led to an ecological transition, a situation in which an individuals place in ecological environment is changed due to change in the role one plays, setting, or both. Although distressing for Melissa and her mother, the transition is an important, positive move in the healing of both individuals. Interestingly, therapists discovery that Asher was herself sexually abused leads to applicable considerations that will assist in the treatment both of them. These considerations are also important in explaining the current psychopathologies seen in Finkelhor (1986) where he explains that traumas and mal-adaptations during childhood reoccur many times in later generations; children from dysfunctional families mostly create their own dysfunctional families they go with the patterns they learned when growing up. Asher has given Melissa the only kind of childhood she herself knows. Effects When Melissa was taken for treatment the first time she looked afraid, depressed and uncertain. When we look at the effects of sexual abuse can be looked into with the conceptualization of Finkelhor, the traumatogenic impacts of sexual abuse is widely used. The effects are divided into four categories, as explained below; Traumatic sexualization refers to ill disposed feelings about sex, and the sexual identity problems. Stigmatization which is manifested in guilty feelings and feeling responsible for the abuse or of disclosure. The other effect is betrayal, whereby it is downgrading the trust in people who are required to be protectors and nurturers of children. Powerlessness includes a view of being vulnerable and a victim and the behavioral manifestations of anxiety consist of phobias, insomnia, and eating disorders; Management of the case In Melissas case management there are various considerations that need to be made. Hence, coordination is very important. The things that the team are required to put in mind at this stage of intervention are disconnection of the child /or the offender from the family, the part played by the juvenile court and the criminal court and also the plan for treatment of the family Before a treatment plan is developed, it is vital to understand the cause abuse; there are various models as explained by Finkelhor under Sexual Abuse Causal Models. In history there have been two major models namely the family-focused and the offender-focused perspectives. Efforts have been made to integrate the two by Finkelhor who developed a causation model that involves both the family-, and offender-focused perspectives.. Finkelhor explains four preconditions that must be involved for sexual abuse to take place, factors connected to the abusers force to sexually abuse; factors inducing the abuser to overcome internal obstacles; factors inducing the abuser to overcome external inhibitors and factors inducing to overcome the childs resistance Modalities of treatment In treatment modalities, whereby the main goal in sexual abuse treatment is to deal with the impacts of sexual abuse, and decrease the risks of future sexual abuse. Treatment Issues for the Victim that will have to be attended to be are; Trust whereby; there are devastating effects on childrens relationship, especially being able to trust o people. In family sexual abuse, the effect is worse as in the case of Melissa because her stepfather, who should be her protector, exploits and violates the limits of acceptable values. A non- offending parent like Melissas mother who could not believe her initially accelerates this damage. The therapist is required to establish circumstances where the child has positive participation with trusted adults in order to correct the childs ability to trust. Emotional Reactions to Sexual Abuse whereby the child feeling being victimized in that she feels as if she is responsible and starts feeling guilty, having a disorganized sense of self and low self-esteem because of being involved in sexual abuse. The therapist is required to help the child understand and accept that she was not responsible and also make her feel good again about herself. Protection from future victimization Protection from Future Victimization whereby the abused child needs taught future protection strategies. The child should be taught to say no and tell a trustworthy person may be useful. Treatment Issues for the Mother Treatment Issues for the Mother particularly in cases involving the mothers in interfamilial as in Ashers case. Just like the victim Melissa her mother will need to undergo treatment in several areas such as areas connected to Sexual Abuse It is hard for mothers of victims, to comprehend why a grownup may go sexual with a child. This is an issue that the clinician should address with the mother. The therapist can offer professional explanation into the causes of abuse specific to the case. Another issue to be addressed believing the childs disclosure of the sexual abuse. The therapist can explain makes her believe that the child is telling the truth or conclude that children do not make false allegations on such matters. Eventually the therapist will help the mother comprehend her duty in the abuse, if she had one. She is not to blame but in some way may have played a part to prolonged abuse as in the case of Melissa and Asher for not believing her initially Improving the mother-child relationship is also very important because it is an important step in assisting the mother to be protective of her child in future. In the case of intrafamilial abuse like Melissas case, the mother should decide if she wants to cut off her relationship with the abuser or salvage her relationship. Personal issues such as past trauma as having been sexually abused herself which is the case of Melissa. Such an experience has various impacts in on the mothers ability to deal with her childs abuse. The mother may be not being in a position to cope because she has not dealt with her own sexual abuse. Hence her abuse has to be addressed as in the case of Asher. She may not suspect risky situation quickly and her decisions of partners, playing part in moving in with a man who goes sexual with children. Hence in conclusion, childhood sexual abuse is a very sensitive issue that has to be dealt with to avoid future destruction of the childrens lives Reference Finkelhor, D. (1986). The Effects of Sexual Abuse, in D. Finkelhor et al., Eds. Sourcebook on Child Sexual Abuse Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

Language: The Fatal Weapon in Othello Essay

Language is especially tricky because of all the possibilities it can manage. â€Å"Be quiet† versus â€Å"Shut up† is one example of the power that language holds. Rumors are another example of how powerful language can be when it passes through a certain set of ear lobes; some people are shattered by the rumors floating around about them. Othello is a play that takes the intricacies of language—the way something is said versus what is actually being said—to show the dire consequences put into effect when someone hears something a certain way. The following three passages will examine how language hides and reveals something about Othello, Iago and Desdemona, and how it is ultimately the downfall of the characters. Jealous Iago uses language like a cunning fox, hiding behind his words to get to his prey. Othello in turn is easily deceived, himself jealous and paranoid because of the viral words strategically planted throughout. In the third scene of the third act, Iago’s use of language makes him very visible to the audience—by this point the audience is well aware that Iago is jealous of Othello, but eager nonetheless to hide this fact from Othello. But it is this scene that most reveals Iago to the world, when Iago may not be at all visible to himself. Saying of jealousy, â€Å"It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock/The meat it feeds on† (166-167). Iago may be jealous of Othello by this point in the play, but he seems either unaware of it or in denial of it. To speak of jealousy in this way directly to Othello—the object of his envy—is to suggest that Iago may not be fully conscious of his own jealousy. Perhaps if Iago were to realize what he was saying, he might have changed course and decided against pointing a finger at Cassio. Yet clearly he goes on, â€Å"That cuckold lives in bliss/Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger† (166-168). Iago could very well be describing himself here, ignorant of his own jealousy toward Othello, whom he obviously does not truly love. He is hiding not only from Othello but from himself as well, but psychologically he is rather apparent to the audience, for which Othello will unknowingly kill. Desdemona’s language reveals her purity even when faced with accusations, even when she is unsure of what exactly she is being accused. When Othello tells her she must die by his hand, when her sins are her love for him, and before he tells her why he must kill her, she says, â€Å"These are portents; but yet I hope, I hope,/They do not point on me† (45-46). She knows he is accusing her of something, but in her pure love for Othello she dares to hope that he is not charging her. Here she is hiding from herself, knowing full well that, â€Å"Some bloody passion shakes your very frame† (44) means that Othello is indeed pointing on her for some crime. Desdemona’s purity, revealed through her speech, further enrages Othello, for in his jealousy he sees her shock and fear as further proof that he must kill her for dishonoring him and their marriage. The audience, however, is fully aware of Desdemona’s purity and honesty; honesty in the marital sense to Othello, even if she is not honest with herself at this crucial time. This self-deception reveals how pure her love is by showing how she does become self-righteous or quick to anger and resentment. In the face of an unjustified accusation and obvious mistrust, Desdemona stands her ground in her love, taking her punishment though protesting it, â€Å"That death’s unnatural that kills for loving† (42). Yet she dies for loving. Othello shows through his speech how utterly ignorant and blind he has been throughout the play, â€Å"O vain boast! /Who can control his fate? tis not so now† (264-265). Here he is resigned to his fate, to falling to his weaknesses despite his obvious strengths, â€Å"Here is my journey’s end† (267). For killing Desdemona he feels incredible guilt, and does not wish to go on. This reveals Othello’s regret, and in turn reveals his acknowledgement of wrongdoing and sorrow at his actions. Othello could very well have stuck to Iago’s story without implicating himself, but through his jealousy he was able to see that Emilia was telling the truth, and for that he is truly sorry. Language is the fatal weapon in Othello. Jealous Iago uses it to verbally plant seeds of doubt and jealousy into Othello’s mind. Desdemona in turn can say nothing to save herself from Othello’s jealous rage. Othello himself ultimately realizes he was duped by it into killing the woman he loved and who loved him in return. The subtle complexities of language can turn a normally level headed person into a foaming, jealous beast who mistrusts his gut, and Othello was no exception.

How does the media affect policing? Essay

The media displays a negative and positive image when it comes to police officers. Society sees both sides from the media reflecting how they view police in their own communities. In our communities we also see police getting shot or often finding themselves in a bad situation. The police are here to protect us and to serve the communities to the best of their abilities. The negative images we see and hear are police that are corrupt or brutally beating harmless suspects. The positive images would be that they have saved an innocent life in a hostage situation. The media portrays the police in many different ways. We need to realize that the police are on our side and that they are human just like everyone else. The television shows that we see on television today are both helpful and harmful to the profession. For example, â€Å"Cops† is based on real life situations and we actually see what they go through on a daily basis. This profession is very dangerous and you have to be prepared for whatever comes your way. This show is helpful because it gives society an inside look at police officers in action. The show â€Å"NYPD Blue† portrays corrupt cops and is therefore harmful to how society sees police officers. The show that I feel impacts policing is â€Å"CSI.† It impacts policing because it shows that it’s just not one person that solves a crime; it takes a team to solve a crime. It often times takes patience and a different point of view to solve long tedious crimes. This is one of my favorite shows because there are so many technological advances today that help the police do their jobs to the best of their ability. In the future technology is going to play a key role in all aspects of law enforcement.

Racial Segregation Jim Crow Laws - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1253 Downloads: 3 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Law Essay Type Analytical essay Did you like this example? About a hundred years after the Civil War, almost all Americans lived under the Jim Crow laws. Segregation and Racism still continues in the US as it did in the early 1900’s. The Jim Crow laws were racial segregation laws enacted between 1876-1965. The segregation for African Americans intended to be inferior to white Americans. Some examples of the Jim Crow laws are the segregation of public schools, public transportation, restrooms, and drinking fountains. Even the U.S military was segregated. The Jim Crow laws have influenced many people in the U.S over the years especially in the 1800’s-1900’s. The Jim Crow laws have aided in racism. For example, intermarriage of a white with an African American was illegal. They had separate schools for which the two races attended. They had separate facilities for everything. The separations between the two races seem to make them hate each other. These racially enforced rules dominated almost every a spect of life, not to mention directed the punishments for any infraction. One race was seen better than the other. These laws made it impossible of having whites or blacks joined together in any way. Intermarriage was illegal and if there were biracial couples they were either talked about or scolded. There were so many boundaries that made it hard for everyone to get along. No one had the right to get into contact with another race. The key reason for the Jim Crow Laws was to keep African Americans as close to their former selves as slaves as was possible. That’s why the whites had newer facilities than the blacks. Due to the Jim Crow Laws, African Americans were given the status of second class citizens. The Jim Crow Laws can automatically take away the rights of African Americans. They were mainly used in the southern states between 1877 and the 1960’s. White people thought black people didnt deserve respect. The Supreme Court ruling in 1896 in Plessy v. F erguson that separate facilities for whites and blacks were constitutional, encouraged the passage of discriminatory laws that wiped out the efforts made by African Americans during the Reconstruction period. They were laws that setup segregation. Railways, public waiting rooms, restaurants, apartments, theaters, and public parks were segregated. Separate schools, hospitals, and other public institutions, mostly of lower quality, were designed for blacks. Jim Crow laws have created racism in a whole other level. Because the laws and practices of Jim Crow varied from place to place, the scheme was confusing, and African Americans were careful to learn the racial ways of the locals to which they traveled to. African Americans could not always fight against Jim Crow because segregation could benefit some to the detriment of others. Still, the disadvantages of Jim Crow were far beyond the advantages, and beginning in the 1930s, African Americans took up a number of civil rights mo vements. Black colleges thrived, for example, but most segregated public elementary and secondary schools struggled with such low resources to prepare students for higher education. Finally, protests or challenges to Jim Crow often proved futile, given law enforcement’s complicity in the structure. The Ku Klux Klan operated as a paramilitary arm of the Democratic Party in the South. The Klan, nightriders, red shirts, and other white terrorists threatened African Americans with personal attacks, school burnings, and lynching’s. African Americans rarely became policemen, sheriffs, or deputies before the late 1940s. White police officers were known to harass black people, disrupt black neighborhoods, and assault black women. Arrested for inflated charges, denied satisfactory counsel, and serving harsh sentences, African Americans were further disadvantaged in the courtroom. Rarely did they receive good counsel, nor could they serve on juries. When black lawyer s would appear in the courtroom to argue cases, white judges and juries barely listened. All-white juries decided to be against black defendants, even in the most obvious cases of innocence, but rarely convicted white defendants, despite evidence of guilt. African Americans including the innocent suffered harsh punishments of extended jail time, and forced farm labor. Even women could be working on the roads and tracks across the South. Jim Crow entered a new phase after the Civil War with the development of the Black Codes. At the end of the war, Confederates claimed southern legislatures and passed laws that restricted the freedom of freed people. The south gradually reinstated the racially discriminatory laws. The two main goals they wanted these laws to achieve were disenfranchisement and segregation. To take away the power that the blacks had gained, they began to prevent African Americans from voting. After the Civil War, the Black Codes were created. These laws were even worse than the Jim Crow laws. They tried to maintain something like slavery in the south even after the war. These laws made it hard for black people and their family to leave their current jobs. Then, be arrested for just about any reason. The Civil Rights Act of 1866, and the Fourteenth Amendment tried to put an end to the Black Codes. African Americans began to organize, protest, and fight segregation and the Jim Crow laws in the 1900s. In 1954, the Supreme Court said that segregation of the schools was illegal in the famous Brown v. Board of Education case. Later, protests such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Birmingham Campaign, and the March on Washington brought the issue of Jim Crow to national attention. The Jim Crow system was undergirded by the following beliefs or rationalizations. Blacks were inferior to whites in all important ways, including but not limited to intelligence, morality, and civilized behavior. Sexual relations between blacks and whites woul d produce a mixed race which would destroy America; treating blacks as equals would encourage interracial sexual unions. Any activity which suggested social equality encouraged interracial sexual relations. Violence must be used to keep blacks at the bottom of the racial hierarchy, but only if necessary. When most people think of Jim Crow they think of laws which excluded blacks from public transport and facilities, juries, jobs, and neighborhoods. Plessy gave Jim Crow states a legal way to ignore their constitutional obligations to their black citizens. Under these laws any sexual interactions between black men and white women was illegal and within the Jim Crow definition of rape. In most states, blacks and whites could not marry by law. According to a Maryland law, all marriages between a white person and a black, or between a white person and a person of black descent are prohibited, and never accepted. Jim Crow laws segregated not only public venues but also restaurant s, restrooms, hospitals, churches, libraries, schoolbooks, waiting rooms, housing, prisons, cemeteries, and asylums. Custom made signs sayingâ€Å"colored† and â€Å"white† or â€Å"white only† marked off the southern buildings, dividing public accommodations, residence, and death. Reporting equal, these circumstances usually were unequal. Laws regulated not only segregation but also social relations. Blacks and whites could not compete against each other, whether at checkers or college sports. A Mississippi law read, â€Å"any person guilty of printing, publishing or circulating matter urging or presenting arguments in favor of social equality or of intermarriage between whites and negroes, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.† Because the laws and practices of Jim Crow varied from place to place, the scheme was confusing. In addition, different groups of African Americans, rural and urban, women and men, and people of varying classes, experienced Jim Crow in different ways. The Jim Crow laws have influenced many people from the 1800’s to the 1900’s. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Racial Segregation: Jim Crow Laws" essay for you Create order