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Simulation Observation Paper

Student’s Name

Department, Institutional Affiliation

Course Code; Course Number

Instructor’s Name

Date
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Simulation Observation Paper

Introduction

This simulation was the one I chose because it touches on some of the most burning

family issues, domestic violence and system barriers against marginalized people. To me

personally and professionally, this population and their issues matter deeply. As a future social

worker, I am truly committed to the fight for social justice while empowering those oppressed by

acts of violence. This attraction to the simulation is drawn from how it portrays aspects domestic

violence that include power dynamics; gender roles and society’s expectations which are present

in intimate relationships. Through this simulation, I would like to understand better what

survivors of abusive partners experience including hardships they face when trying to reach out

for help or access support services. What disturbs me about this simulation is how nakedly true it

is: domestic violence as an omniscient force that disrupts individuals or families or even

communities in which these families live. There is an urgent need for systemic change and

increased awareness on power relations within intimate partner relationships as depicted by the

story of Margret who represented the experiences of many women in our society which are

characterized by isolation, fear and helplessness due to husbands’ abusive behaviors. In addition,

this model proves that social workers are supposed to provide such services so that they have

culturally competent and trauma-supportive care for domestic violence survivors, calling for

policy changes that would deal with the root causes of gender-based violence. Through

participation in this simulation, I hope to gain more insights into anti-oppressive practice and

acquire knowledge and skills needed to support people like Margaret through their journey

towards safety, healing and empowerment.

Documentation Analysis of Simulation

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Documentation of Issues

Margaret, 38 years old, was subjected to domestic violence during simulation. Negative

observations concerning Margaret’s case were made throughout the exercise. Documentation

showed that she had been physically and verbally abused by Joe her husband who is a police

officer. Consequently, Margaret was isolated and developed fear and became helpless in her

matrimonial home. Several incidents of abuse were documented including Joe’s drinking binges,

driving under influence and any other form of aggression he portrayed against Margaret as well

as the children they share together. In addition, it was observed that she was afraid of asking for

medical help because of possible retributions from Joe not forgetting the fact that she lacked

support networks. The documentation revealed a pressing need for immediate intervention to

ensure Margaret is safe as well as promoting her well-being with also the importance of trauma-

informed approach and cultural competency in domestic violence survivors’ care system.

Course Readings

The article “Healing Justice, Transformative Justice, and Holistic Self-Care for Social

Workers” by Loretta Pyle discusses the importance of holistic self-care and healing justice in

social work practice. It also emphasizes the need to attend to historical trauma as well as

interlocking oppressions that cause stress and lead to burnout. This will be understood from the

experiences Margaret had while undergoing domestic violence and trauma. The concept of

whole-being-healing-justice, as a framework for comprehensive support systems and

interventions for survivors like Margaret, fits very well with Pyle’s (2020) argument of healing

justice. Lastly, it highlights how social workers play a part in promoting healing justice as well

as systemic change addressing the core causes of trauma and oppression.

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Besides, the article “Parallel Routes to Decolonization: Critical and Indigenous Social

Work” by Cyndy Baskin and Caitlin Davey also advocates for the AOP as a social work model

that is critical. Margaret is one of the people who understand these issues since it means that it is

necessary to eliminate normative standards and institutions that prop up oppression. Further,

Baskin and Davey (2017) point out how allies can help achieve social justice and systemic

transformation. This can therefore enable gender violence victims like Margaret become agents

of change against those systems that suppress them. Thus, this reading argues for critical power

relations among social workers but at the same time hints at the urgency of having linkages

between them and marginalized communities so as to dismantle oppressive structures.

Moreover, the article titled “First and Last and Always: Street Work as a Methodology

for Radical Community Social Work Practice” by Darren John Hill and Erika Laredo introduces

street work as a practice discourse advocating for direct micro level interventions in terms of

social justice. Additionally, Street Work is about building relationships with vulnerable

populations where they live; it is what Margaret needs at this time (Hill & Laredo, 2019). Hence,

per Hill and Laredo (2019), this focus on low-threshold interventions in streetwork that is against

social exclusion points towards a pathway to help her solve her intricate problems. The use of

techniques borrowed from streetwork may help social workers maneuver complexities that come

along with domestic violence cases by taking an individualized approach for survivors such as

Margaret which fosters resilience and empowerment.

Subject Position

My position as a social work student undergoing the simulation is affected by ideas,

which were elaborated upon in readings. The article “Healing Justice, Transformative Justice,

and Holistic Self-Care for Social Workers” highlights the significance of complete care for
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oneself and healing justice in social work. This relates with my perception of support system

necessary to be put in place for domestic violence victims such as Margaret. Equally important,

Andrews (2023) emphasizes on self-care in a social work environment. Hence, his metaphor

reminds me about the need for immediate crisis intervention and trauma resolution that is linked

to disproportionality between marginalized groups and criminal justice system.

Further, the article "Parallel Pathways to Decolonization: Critical and Indigenous Social

Work" also emphasizes the importance of anti-oppression practice (AOP) in challenging

oppressive structures. As a student committed to social justice, this reading reaffirms that I

should continuously analyze power dynamics and struggle for those individuals who are

marginalized. It calls on me to go into the simulation with a critical mind, aware of the multiple

ways oppressions intersect in people like Margaret. Solidarity with marginalized communities is

also significant for me as an advocate for systemic change and support for survivors such as

Margaret through their healing process as well as their journey towards empowerment.

As for me, I think that even the fact that I am a student can influence my interaction with

a simulation. What I mean is that my limited experience may affect my understanding of and

reaction to complicated dynamics of the scenario. Definitely. Therefore, Thyer (2012)

acknowledges the role of experiences in decision-making processes. On the other hand, using the

knowledge from what we have read so far, I am now more capable of participating in this

activity based on empathy, critical consciousness and opposition to oppressive systems.

Conclusion

The simulation left a lasting impression on me, providing invaluable insights into the

complex social work practice, particularly in relation to domestic violence and trauma. The

difficulties and resilience showed by Margaret have strongly affected my feelings for others,
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increasing my empathy, compassion and cultural competence. If she was certain about

something, then it would be that all social workers should be strong advocates for the most

vulnerable populations who suffer under systemic oppression. Vital information one can learn

from this game is that intersectionality is important in understanding or addressing any form of

oppression. This was shown through her own experiences of discrimination, which further

proved that social work must be all-encompassing and universal. She described how the role of

social workers can bring about major changes in societies where people are regarded as equal.

However, the approach mainly focused on self-care and morality to prevent burnout and

guarantee professionalism at all times. I have a better understanding of real-life situations

involving such experiences as handling traumas victims regardless of their discrimination toward

them when I get employed as a social worker after finishing my studies. This led me to fight for

justice by being an advocate for marginalized groups within healing communities. In general,

this exercise has enhanced my appreciation of the complexities in the practice of social work

thereby influencing my attitude towards future employment with empathy, stamina, and

relentless struggle against issues pertaining to social injustice.

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References

Andrews, S. (2023). Reimagining social work from an Aboriginal theoretical perspective. Social

Work, 52–63. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009091848.005

Baskin, C., & Davey, C. (2017). Chapter 1. Parallel Pathways to Decolonization: Critical and

Indigenous Social Work. In Reimagining Anti-Oppression Social Work Practice (pp. 1–

15). essay, Canadian Scholars.

Hill, D. J., & Laredo, E. (2019). First and last and always: Streetwork as a methodology for

Radical Community Social Work Practice. Critical and Radical Social Work, 7(1), 25–39.

https://doi.org/10.1332/204986019x15491042559682

Pyles, L. (2020). Healing justice, transformative justice, and holistic self-care for social workers.

Social Work, 65(2), 178–187. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/swaa013

Thyer, B. A. (2012). Behavioral Social Work Practice. Social Work.

https://doi.org/10.1093/obo/9780195389678-0040