Personal Reflection Assignment Help

Social work theory consists of facts and evidences that are supported by scientific analysis in
which a theory describes any established phenomenon and practice is such an act where social
workers have to implement the described theory into practice. Likewise, domestic violence and
child protection issues is an example for a social worker to understand the case and develop
strategies. In a particular study, any theory or practice is vital to be analysed initially and then
later on, a thorough reflection can be done.

I along with my other three friends were asked

to choose a topic for our group presentation in
Social work theory and practice (Individuals
and families) unit. ‘Domestic violence and
child protection issues’ was our topic where
each individual was assigned a different sub-
topic to explain in the class. We were given a
responsibility by our teacher Allison to
complete the presentation within twenty
minutes keeping in consideration about every
important details to cover. The significant
matters to present were overview of the
historical, social, cultural and political issues
regarding the topic that were briefly explained by me. The current issues and social policy
directives or challenges were explained by Jake. A discussion of direct practice issues and
strategies were explained by Melissa where she took an example of a case study signifying
gender, cultural and ethnic meaning. Lastly, AASW Standards of Practice and AASW Code of
Ethics were further described by Janet to link them with the topic. Certain values and moral
principles are acknowledged bycode of ethics supporting social work practice.

As a group, we four of us worked as a strong team in order to bring the best outcome of our
collaborated hard work. According to my knowledge, I came to know that children are found in
the history of domestic violence and intervention for more than 20 years and their harsh situation
has been regarded unimportant as stated by researchers, women and advocates. It was observed
at charitable organizations from 1880 to 1960, women’s lives even though at risk were ignored
and ironically, vehement men were unnoticed. Women who were not able to defend their
children from danger were regarded to be laughable in the society and unfortunately, ‘child
rescue’ was the program designed only for defenseless children (Humphreys and Absler, 2011).
On the other hand, domestic violence is such an act when one of the partners challenges physical
or psychological domination and control to the other partner. There are various forms of
domestic violence but the common ones are physical and sexual violence, threats and
intimidation, emotional and social abuse. Domestic violence is regarded as family violence by
most of the aboriginals of Australia as it addresses every vehemence in closefamily as well as
other kind of relationships that relates to shared commitment and support (Humphreys, 2007).

Similarly, examples like Australian bureau of statistics 2017 safety report states about the
experience of men and women in regards to physical and verbal violence that had affected
children and youths. The other issue that relates domestic violence against children is becoming
common in the Australian society and has been avoided as a problem due to its complexity for an
open discussion. According to the finding of Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) 2016
Personal Safety Survey (PSS) stated experiences of men and women about their emotional
violence from 15 years of age along with stalking, sexual abuse and harassment. White Ribbon
Day was clarified by Jake to provide information about the services that helped to avoid violence
against women. Moreover, an excellent example of an Australian woman Rosie Batty was
awarded for the efforts she had shown for stopping family violence. Here, she had presented
about her personal life’s story of losing her 11-year-old son which was a murder committed by
his father. Therefore, Batty concluded that family violence can occur anytime, anywhere and to
anyone. As a result, she gave voices to the unheard victims (Williams, 2015). In addition,
Melissa presented a case study about a 32-year-old woman who had experienced domestic
violence from her husband and also admits that one of her children was also physically affected
but still calls her husband to be a good father. Gender, ethnic and cultural factors have played an
important role in this case that has created a hindrance towards solving the issue. Therefore, code
of ethics has been regarded vital in social work practice that gives rise to ethical responsibility
such as respect for persons, social justice and professional integrity. It has been evident from
media and books that every year in NSW, a husband, partner, family member or relative commit
violence and this is destroying people’s lives in our cities and rural areas as a result of domestic
and family violence (DFV). That is why, a program named ‘It Stops Here’a strategical activity
that has been successful in prioritizing victim’s problem and delivering the appropriate services
they need. It is a safer pathway for prevention of violence and to ensure victim’s safety. The
NSW Government is kept at the front foot by ‘It Stops Here’ while responding to violence.

Group work is an association of members who work together to achieve certain goals. It is the
step of using one’s ideas as well as others methodology for a task. My personal experience
working in a group of four was an opportunity for me to cultivate new ideas and also, it made me
focused in the presentation as a whole. I developed communication skills, critical thinking
approach, problem solving skills through group-led discussion. Moreover, I learned benefits of
working in a group rather than facing its disadvantages. Some of the positive aspects of working
in a group were knowing opinion and facts about the subject matter that I never knew or had
little knowledge about. I faced some challenges such as pressure for the presentation and
assignment, lack of self confidence to present my ideas in front of my group initially but by the
end, I developed skills of self-confidence and I assume this progressive factor will help me in the
future as well.

My contribution towards my team was about the research of historical, social, cultural and
political aspects regarding domestic violence and child protection issues. When I knew about the
phenomenon that hitting a child was not regarded as a big issue in previous times, I was stunned.
‘Research on children who witness family violence is a special case of counting the hard-to-
count and measuring the hard-to measure…’ (Fantuzzo, Boruch, Beriana, Atkins & Marcus,
1997; p.121) so exact number of families being negatively affected is hard to know. However,
several studies have found that 85-90% of the time when a violent incident took place in a
domestic situation, children were present and children were also abused during the violent
incident in about 50% of those cases (Queensland Domestic Taskforce, 1998; Cleaver et al,
1999, cited in Fleischer, 2000).In contrast, in a domestic environment, former studies have made
clear that 85-90 percentage of the time children faced abuse in a range of 50 percent (Queensland
Domestic Taskforce, 1998; Cleaver et al, 1999, cited in Fleischer, 2000).

I have learnt throughout my 22 years of life that childhood is such a period where each child is
supposed to be specially protected and given rights according to western culture. Thus, their
development must be taken place in a secure atmosphere. One of the interesting findings was that
parents witnessed adverse effect on their adjustment when parent-child violence was low and
ironically, when the level of parent-child violence was high, vehemence between parents was
considered to be unimportant (O’Keefe, 1995).Therefore, hierarchy of needs is idealized that
puts necessity of safety and security of children first and ‘love and belonginess’ second.

Social work practice possesses different forms of values, principles, critical reflection, code of
ethics, skills, strength-based activity and variouscategory of disciplines. Through this team work,
I learnt importance of patience, collaboration, non-judgmental values which are important in a
professional social work practice. Similarly, adult education brings critical analysis as a process
which particularly concentrates on practitioner’s personal experience. In addition, this process is
a continuous method in social work that has been well-versed by critical social theory (Agger
1991, 1998) which has been connected with social work theory and practice (Hick et al. 2005;
Fook 2002; Healey 2001; Fawcett et al. 2000; Healey 2000; Ife 1997; Rossiter 1996).

I was able to apply some principles like acceptance, self-determination, confidentiality and
coordination while carrying out group discussion.Social work practice is underpinned by values
and moral principles derived from code of ethics as well as frameworks ethical social work’s
conduct and accountability. According to code of ethics (2010), social work practice is dedicated
to 3 core values and this gives rise to general and specific ethical responsibility. Values like
respect for persons, social justice and professional integrity were learned by me. In regards to
child abuse and neglect, social work recognizes the core aspects and values of social work in
child protection areas. Values of social work is directly linked to the practice and social workers
maintain their ethical responsibilities during moral dilemmas. Furthermore, my learning outcome
has opened a clear path towards understanding AASW standards of practice and AASW code of
ethics. Certain standards such as professionalism, cultural response and inclusive practice,
communication and inter-personal skills, information reading and sharing along with
professional development was well understood by me as a part of learning. Therefore, case study
in the group discussion made me able to understand stages of anti-oppressive theory, solution-
focused approaches, importance of group work, community development research and policy
responses.

References:

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2017). Personal Safety Survey: 2016 Australia. Retrieved from:
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4906.0

O’Brien, S. (2017, May 4). Smacking your child is unacceptable. The Herald Sun. Retrieved
from:
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/opinion/susie-obrien/susie-obrien-smacking-your-child-is-
unacceptable/news-story/f139857354019f0aa1f651fe8efc1595

Community services. (2017). Family and community services. Retrieved 5 December 2017, from
http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/parents,-carers-and-families/domestic-and-family-
violence/effects-of-domestic-violence

Healey, K. (2001). Social work practices: Contemporary perspectives on change. London: Sage.

Hick, S., Fook, J. & Pozzuto, R. (eds) (2005). Social Work: A Critical Turn. Toronto: Thompson
Educational.

ItStops Here. (2017) (pp. 1-42). NSW. Retrieved from

http://www.women.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0003/289461/It_stops_Here_final_Feb2014.pd
f

Wemer, M. (2013). Five Things Students Can Learn through Group Work. Faculty Focus.

Williams, P. (2015, Jan 26). Australian of the Year: Rosie Batty awarded top honour for efforts
to stop family violence. ABC News. Retrieved from:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-01-25/rosie-batty-named-australian-of-the-year-2015/6045290