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Cultural Competence and Ethical Responsibilities in Social Work

Author: Michal Peretz | Published on Sept 18, 2024 | Last Updated on October 24, 2024 | Time: 04:47 PM

According to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethical Standards, Social Worker's Ethical Responsibilities to Clients, cultural competence is that social workers show understanding of the complex nuances of IPV/FV especially concerning marginalized communities such as immigrants and refugees. For example, understanding that cultural barriers that immigrants and refugees face deportation or losing custody of their children, relying on their abusers financially, or face challenges such as affording rent or securing housing (KPRC 2 Click2Houston, 2023, February 14). Non-existent ineffective social and legal policies surrounding immigrants, low-self esteem, mental illnesses, alongside legal challenges in reporting abuse to law enforcement, language barriers, isolation in a new country can all play a factor in IPV/FV (Domestic Violence Services Network, 2021, January 26), (Center for Victim Research., 2021, October 27).

Addressing the Needs of Immigrants and Refugees

When working with marginalized, disadvantaged, and/or oppressed individuals and communities, cultural responsive social work practice goes hand-in-hand with social workers' ethical responsibilities as professionals to not discriminate anyone based on their own unique positionality in life. For example, when working with immigrants and refugees impacted by IPV/FV, often times they cannot go to authorities out of fear of deportation, or fear of leaving their abuser due to being shunned by other family or community members (National Association of Social Workers, 2021, 1.05(b)).

It is crucial that social workers uphold these principles by actively engaging in social work practice that is inclusive and free of biases. Social workers must refrain from discrimination and advocate for the rights of those who are marginalized and oppressed. In cases involving immigrants and refugees impacted by IPV/FV, social workers must mitigate the fears these individuals may have regarding deportation or social isolation. By understanding and addressing these cultural barriers from a culturally sensitive lens, social workers help create a safer supportive environment where all clients can access the services they need without fear of judgment or retribution (National Association of Social Workers, 2021, 4.02(b)).

Self-Awareness and Positionality in Social Work

My positionality may influence my work with victims of IPV/FV through potential transference or counter transference of vicarious trauma when hearing clients' stories, which is why self-care is critically important to prevent burnout and ensure that I maintain my role as a future social worker from a professional and competent lens. Reflecting on ones positionality is also essential to increase empathy and to provide a culturally sensitive environment for victims of IPV/FV. In recognizing the unique positions that I hold and the values I attach to my identities, I can better understand and engage with clients who may lived very unique and different experiences from me (Pollock, Meagan, 2021 March 24. para.1,3).

When working with perpetrators of IPV/FV, personal bias can be challenging, especially if a perpetrator shows a lack of accountability or engages in blame-shifting. This situation can trigger vicarious trauma or possible PTSD, making it even more important to recognize my positionality and avoid letting personal reactions interfere with professional responsibilities. By taking a step back and acknowledging that each client is a unique individual with their own complex identities, I can provide equitable support without letting biases or past experiences cloud my judgment through a culturally responsive lens.

What I learned from the viewings/readings to increase my understanding of how cultural responsive practice relates to IPV/FV is being aware of how my own positionality of the social identity, experiences, and personal bias not only influences my perspectives and interactions with clients, but acknowledging my positionality may increase prevention of unconscious biases and allow me to approach clients' situations with more empathy and non-judgement. Culturally responsive social work goes beyond acknowledging our cultural and social identities with each other, and being aware of the unique challenges of marginalized communities such as the power and control dynamics of IPV/FV. For example, overcoming language and safety barriers, such as using text-based coded communication to protect clients in dangerous situations, handing out "I Speak" language cards to immigrant and refugees so that clients can be routed to proper resources and be provided an easier experience while navigating through the often oppressive and harsh environments immigrants and refugees may face (Center for Victim Research, 2021, October 27).

Working with Perpetrators: A Culturally Responsive Approach

Working with perpetrators can be emotionally challenging to maintain empathy. In recognizing that some perpetrators may have experienced trauma themselves alongside cultural factors such as religious beliefs surrounding strict gender-roles/gender inequality, this provides greater opportunity for rehabilitation rather than allowing implicit and/or personal biases to prevent effective treatment. Being culturally responsive and understanding how trauma and cultural norms affects individuals of IPV/FV does not mean excusing abuse, but helps me understand how culture and trauma is a factor in the perpetrator's behavior. It allows us as future social workers to create a more informed and effective culturally sensitive approach in understanding while still holding the individual accountable for their actions. As social workers, we must continuously engage in cultural humility and self-reflection to recognize any personal biases or assumptions we may hold toward perpetrators, particularly those from different cultural backgrounds (Domestic Violence Services Network, 2021, January 26).

Lessons on Cultural Responsiveness and Bias Prevention

Throughout this journey, I have learned the importance of acknowledging how personal biases, positionality, and cultural competence play into social work practice, particularly in cases involving IPV/FV. It is essential to provide culturally responsive support that respects clients’ unique experiences. Whether addressing language barriers or using creative methods like coded communication for safety, culturally responsive practices open the door to more effective and compassionate care (Center for Victim Research, 2021).