How to work with immigrants in an ethical manner while dealing with the real world Presented by Jessica Nunan

Objectives Outline the psychosocial issues associated with being an immigrant as well as those that are particular to undocumented immigrants and additional factors to consider when also experiencing gender based violence Describe ethical dilemmas that may occur and discuss recommendations Offer some guidelines for best practice with immigrant individuals and families What made you decide to come to this presentation? What were you hoping to learn from today’s presentation

Previous Experiences What has worked when working with different cultures/immigrants? What has been some challenges Why? Before we begin wanted to ask

Psychosocial Issues: Immigrant Grief Language Culture Laws and Rights Food Grief-Loss of family and friends Language-Language barriers-can lead obstacles to social and professional integration Culture-Difference in dress customs, finding appropriate place of worship, difference in laws Work-qualifications are often not transferable which lead to jobs that are over qualified for Income-Although income may be better so is cost of living Trauma-What they may have experienced/ witnessed in their native country Age-The older you are harder it is to adapt Stigma-seeking mental health support can be looked down upon

Psychosocial Issues: Immigrant Work Income Trauma Age Stigma Income-Although income may be better so is cost of living Trauma-What they may have experienced/ witnessed in their native country Age-The older you are harder it is to adapt Stigma-seeking mental health support can be looked down upon

Psychosocial Issues: Undocumented Fear Lack of Resources Additional Discrimination

Psychosocial Issues: Gender Based Violence Fear Isolation Lack of Safety Loss of power

Impact Depression Anxiety Feeling of Helplessness Self Esteem Self medicating Suicidal Ideations

Activity Time -Design: Is the program set up in a way that addresses the realities of the participants (ie programming for each part of the family) -Facilitators: Do they represent community/ individuals who participants can relate to -Opportunities to grow: Lideres -Language: Language reflect the purpose of program and philosophy

Ethical Dilemmas Best Case vs Least Harmful Short term impact vs long term Empowerment Language Best Case vs Least Harmful-hope for the best bit often have to settle with least harmful: Letting the survivor decide if she is willing to risk driving without a license so she can participate in a support group Short term impact vs long term-Calling police short term benefit but may lose provider/parent in long term Empowerment-Your version of gaining empowerment may not look the same as yours: Want her to leave husband and becomr autonomous but she considers empowerment having her partner not use physical violence anymore and going to a support gropu but still respecting culture by staying with partner Language: Are you able to speak their native language well enough to have a meaningful conversation

Guidelines Loss of power Transfer of power back to survivor Holistic Approach Participant Led m-One component of DV is the aggressor taking power and control away from survivor -Therefore one goal is to transfer the power back to the survivor instead of transferring it to the advocate -Important to start where the survivor is and look at whole picture vs DV only -

In Closing Accepting Least Harmful Support vs Rescuing It is not only about the language Accepting Least Harmful Support vs Rescuing

Questions

How to contact us Jessica Nunan, LMSW Executive Director jnunan@caminarlatino.org Information Line 404-413-6348 info@caminarlatino.org www.caminarlatino.org