Reflection For An Individualized Safety Plan Development

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Individualized Safety Plan Reflection In thinking about helping someone develop a safety plan in case they find themselves in an intimate partner violence or IPV situation, I turned to a woman I know that is soon to be married. The couple has had some quarrels that verge on verbal abuse off and on for the past year. Although none have resulted in physical violence, learning about intimate partner violence allows me to see aspects of relationships in a different light than I have seen them before. The potential victim with whom I have chosen to facilitate the safety plan does not consider her relationship to be abusive, nor do I. However, the victim, Crissy, could use a plan of action if the verbally abusive fights begin to take a physical nature. This reflection will include the summary of developing the safety plan, the issues the plan brought up, and the emotional reflection of both the victim and myself. It is important to note that all names have been changed for the sake of confidentiality. Summary of Safety Plan Development Crissy is a 21-year-old, Caucasian, working female in college at the University of North Texas. She has been in a relationship with her 29-year-old boyfriend for 2 years now. They live in separate apartments but often stay with each other for days to weeks at a time. When Crissy agreed to play the part of an abused victim, she did not know quite where to begin. To help her begin thinking about an IPV situation between her and her boyfriend, I had Crissy think about where most of the quarrels between her boyfriend and her took place. Crissy decided that the arguments mostly happened in her room or the living room. I also had Crissy think about what resources she had available around her every day. For ex... ... middle of paper ... ...y seen her strengths until I considered her for the victim in this assignment. I will also never see Crissy the same again. This woman that started out in my eyes as helpless in a potential IPV situation became a beacon of hope to all women plagued by intimate partner violence. From facilitating this safety plan, I have learned how to help women move through their options for safety. I have seen that women can be even more creative, strong, and empowered than I imagined possible. Most importantly, this assignment has given me the opportunity to truly consider and offer an alternative to a life of abuse that many women have never heard of before. I believe that the safety plan is important to both the woman seeking safety from her abusive relationship as well as the advocate having trouble seeing the victim as able to overcome the risks of intimate partner violence.

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