VALOR Scenario 3.8

Scenario #1:

As you can see, there are several possible ethical standards that apply to Jose's dilemma and more than one possible course of action. Here is what we thought were the important details of the case, the ethical issues in question, and the possible outcomes to the courses of action that we selected. Check back with us at the end of the month when we post feedback from other victim advocates and compare notes. Thanks for your participation!

Part 1: Assess case details.

What would you identify as the five most significant details of this case?

1. Norma has just separated from an abusive husband who attends a batterers' treatment program.
2. Norma would like to return to her husband if and when he has changed his violent behavior.
3. Jose is the only provider who speaks Spanish and understands Norma's culture.
4. Norma is dependent on Jose for advice and support.
5. Jose has romantic feelings for Norma that he fears are affecting his good judgment.

Part 2: Separate practical considerations from ethical considerations.

What would you identify as the top three practical considerations of this case?

1. Jose may counsel Norma based on his personal bias rather than her best interests.
2. Norma is dependent on Jose and he is the only culturally competent provider.
3. Jose's romantic feelings compel him to refer Norma to another counselor.

Check the boxes next to what you believe are the top three or four ethical considerations of this case.

3.2:	Primary responsibility is the interests of person served.
3.7:	Termination of a professional relationship.
3.8:	Dual relationships.

Part 3: What are the potential upsides of the following courses of action? What are the potential downsides?

OPTION1:

Jose reveals his feelings for Norma to his superior as well as his concerns about referring her to another provider. He asks his superior to sit in on their meetings until they can assess his ability to be objective and to determine whether or not her progress might be impeded by a referral.

Positive outcome:

Jose's superior expresses her concern over what she considers an unequal relationship but agrees to sit in with him on meetings while she works out an alternative. After she locates a Spanish-speaking counselor at the local clinic, together they take over the provider relationship with Norma.

Negative outcome:

Norma misses Jose. When she no longer has Jose as her victim assistance provider, she has difficulty relating to the women replacements. Norma stops coming to her appointments.

OPTION2:

Jose decides to keep his feelings to himself and struggles to remain objective in his dealings with Norma.

Positive Outcome:

Norma increasingly values her relationship with Jose whose advice she trusts. Nevertheless, when Norma's husband completes his batterers' treatment program, they move back in together, which is what they both want.

Negative Outcome:

Norma checks into the hospital with head injuries from a domestic dispute three weeks later. Jose feels terrible. He tried so hard to remain objective over Norma's marriage that he failed to see the signs of impending danger.