Case Presentation:

Client X
Denise Alvarez-Melton
University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Background Information

African-American Female

35 years old

Three children: Male One (12 years

old); Female One (9 years old); and
Male Two (8 years old)

Victim of Domestic Violence

Been with abuser for 20 years

Has not been on her own during

her entire adult life

Problem Statement

Client X has relocated from the Triangle area to Robeson County with
her three children. She does not have any transportation, housing or
employment. She chose Robeson County because her oldest daughter
who does not reside with her attends UNC Pembroke. She has access
to SFVC services for 30 days. In this short amount of time she must
utilize her time and resources wisely.

Strengths and Limitations

Client X left her abuser after 20 years

She is taking steps into locating

housing for her and her children

Client X is a recovering alcoholic and

drug addict

As lifes stressors kick-in, Client X

revisits the possibility of using alcohol
as a coping mechanism

Has not parented her children by

herself

Anger issues

Does not know how to establish a

structured environment for her children

Southeastern Family Violence Center

Services

Safe Shelter (30-day stay)

Transportation to Lumberton Housing Authority; DSS; Doctors

Appointments

Court Advocacy

Support Groups

Information and Referrals

Personal Development

Client Goals

Obtain safe housing for her and her

three children

Enroll children in school

Obtain SNAP benefits

Participate in drug/alcohol classes

and parenting classes

Employment search; job skills

training

The Interview

Wrapping my head around

staying with someone for 20 years
who physically, mentally and
verbally abused you?

Difference: Where we rate our

children in our priorities

Events/life experiences: singleparent family; alcoholic mother;

stayed with different relatives;
was allowed to roam, no home
structure.

Alcohol/drug classes; parenting classes; anger management

Domestic violence is associated with a wide range of mental health

consequences in addition to diagnosed mental disorders. Those who
have been victimized by an intimate partner may experience one or
more of the following: Fear of Intimacy, Depression, Isolation,
Anxiety, Emotional Detachment, Panic Attacks, Flashbacks, Thoughts
of Suicide, Sleep Disturbances, Substance Abuse, Difficulty
Concentrating, Low Self Esteem & Limited ability to work or care
for themselves and their children.

Competencies Used

Identify as a professional social

worker and conduct oneself
accordingly.

Apply social work ethical principles

to guide professional practice.

Apply critical thinking to inform

and communicate professional
judgments.

Engage diversity and difference in

practice.

Advance human rights and social

and economic justice.

Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.

Employ evidence-based research

Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.

Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being

and to deliver effective social work services.

Respond to contexts that shape practice.

Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families,

groups, organizations, and communities

Follow-up on Client X

Received tax money; slipped back into some old habits.

Returned to abuser

Currently residing in Domestic Violence Shelter in the Triangle Area

The children are currently in their

3rd school for the 14-15 school year