Transformational Journeys
Social Work Program launches new client workshops
In November, Her Justice expanded its program to include social work services. Many of our clients face an array of daunting social issues that often undermine their ability to focus on their legal cases. We are now able to provide our clients with intensive social work support designed to help them and their families address their practical safety, financial, emotional and mental health needs.
MSW interns Diane Malkin (left) and Beverly Kelly collaborated on a parenting workshop for domestic violence survivors.
The social work team is led by manager Gisselle Pardo who recruits MSW (Master of Social Work) students for nine-month field placements, a requirement of all MSW programs.
Three interns joined Her Justice in January—Beverly Kelly, from New York University, and Diane Malkin and Wendy Miron, from Columbia University. Together with Gisselle, they provided essential social work support to more than 120 Her Justice clients, most all of whom are domestic violence survivors.
As part of their assignments, the interns were challenged to develop and facilitate the first Her Justice therapeutic workshops for clients coping with abusive situations. In addition to providing practical tools, the workshops focused on building self-esteem and reducing the sense of isolation felt by many domestic violence victims by providing an opportunity to meet other women who were also struggling to build new lives independent of their abusers.
Parenting & stress management workshop
Beverly and Diane designed a parenting and stress management workshop to address the many complicated issues that domestic violence survivors face in raising their children. The workshop provided detailed information about building support networks, safety planning and strategies for preventing domestic violence in subsequent generations. Participants learned to recognize the physical and emotional symptoms of stress and practiced several stress-reduction breathing exercises.
Art therapy workshop
A committed believer in the therapeutic and healing effects of creating art, Wendy developed an art therapy workshop for Spanish-speaking domestic violence survivors. Participants were asked to share their stories and reflect on their individual journeys and self-transformation since leaving their abusers. We would like to share some of their images and stories.
Liana*
Liana, a native of Peru, has lived in the U.S. for the past six years. A Her Justice volunteer attorney is helping her self-petition for legal residency under a provision of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Liana came to our social work program looking for English as a Second Language (ESL) course referrals and assistance in obtaining public benefits for herself and her children.
During the workshop, Liana shared her history of domestic violence and the trajectory of her healing process that has included eight months of intensive therapy. She provided support and encouragement to the other women.
Imena*
Irmena was born in the Dominican Republic and has been living undocumented in the U.S. for the past six years. Her Justice staff attorneys are helping her self-petition for legal residency. Irmena has lived in several homeless and domestic violence shelters since leaving her batterer nearly a year ago. She is currently eight months pregnant with his daughter.
After Irmena expressed feelings of intense isolation, depression and low self-esteem, Her Justice legal staff referred her to our social work program for supportive counseling and case-management work. At the workshop, Irmena shared her history of domestic violence and fears of the future. The counseling she has received has given her hope—she knows she’s making progress and growing.
The rainbow in her painting symbolizes Liana’s pride and sense of accomplishment—escaping an abusive relationship and taking charge of her life. While her VAWA application is pending, she is able to work and care for her family on her own. For the first time, Liana is able to look ahead to a future which she hopes will bring prosperity and tranquility. The three airplanes flying above the rainbow reflect her desire to visit Peru once she becomes a legal resident—she misses the family and friends she left behind.
Almira*
Almira, a Venezuelan native, turned to Her Justice for help in obtaining a divorce from her batterer. Almira has lived in America for 13 years. She is now a U.S. citizen but remains isolated due to language barriers and a long and painful history of abuse which has made her distrustful of men and reluctant to initiate new relationships.
Intern Wendy Miron worked closely with Almira to address her depression and low self-esteem through supportive counseling, referrals to mental health providers as well as job training and ESL classes. Almira was invited to participate in the workshop as a therapeutic outlet and as a way of building a network of acquaintances with women who have similar life experiences.
Irmena’s painting depicts a bright sky and tropical setting with herself at the water’s edge, alone, inside of a cave. She explained that her painting represents her hopes for the future. While she is not certain where life’s waters will carry her, she is hopeful that she will be able to emerge from her sorrows to a future that is bright, full of opportunities and will at last, bring peace to her and her unborn child.
As the workshop began, Almira appeared withdrawn but soon became emotional. The other women reassured and encouraged her to share her thoughts and feelings. She began painting and listening to the others and slowly started to open up.
Almira's painting depicts a bright summer day and the ocean. Almira painted herself as an almost transparent, solitary figure kneeling naked on an island. She explained that she placed herself in the middle of the composition because she envisioned herself half way on her journey to becoming the woman she wants to be—strong, independent and whole.
*All client names have been changed to protect their identities.