Rebekah Roberts Entered The United States As A Mail Order Br

Rebekah Roberts Entered The United States As a Mail Order Bride At 28

Rebekah Roberts entered the United States as a mail order bride. At 28 years of age, she considered herself pretty lucky when the magazine she paid five hundred dollars to advertise herself called that they have found her a match. The 58-year-old man who picked her from a list of other women was a hard-drinking man, who has had three failed marriages. He told Rebekah over the phone that he was now a changed man after serving a year in prison for domestic violence and abuse of his third wife. The fault was not his, he insisted.

Rebekah believed him. Besides, getting to the United States will provide a great escape from poverty in her own country. Mr. Roberts told her that jobs were plentiful in the USA, and that she had nothing to worry about. The young woman thought about all the possibilities and the opportunities of sending money back to help her siblings.

Getting the visa to the USA to meet her groom was relatively easy, the only requirement according to the US Embassy official was that she should be married in 90 days after she arrived, or she would be in violation of her visa. Changing her mind after arrival was more than just having cold feet it would mean a return to poverty and the old life and so Rebekah got married in the local court house with nobody that she knew around. A year after the wedding she was pregnant with twins and was unable to find work because of her poor English skills. She totally depended on the husband who threatened her constantly with deportation. The beatings soon followed along with emotional and verbal torture.

She had reasons to be afraid of her life because the husband locked her inside the house whenever he was away. One day, she managed to escape from the home that had then become a prison and ran to a neighbor. She managed to narrate to the neighbor in broken English her ordeal. She told the neighbor that she had difficulty sleeping and was very hungry. She cried constantly and begged to be taken to a place of safety.

She expressed her desire to return to her mother in her own country. Rebekah and her one-year-old twins have been brought to an agency where you are the social worker. Create a PowerPoint presentation of between 15 – 20 slides answering the questions below. Each slide should be clearly labeled so that the instructor can easily determine on which slide the question is being answered.

Paper For Above instruction

In this paper, I will analyze the complex issues faced by Rebekah Roberts, a victim of domestic violence and exploitation through the lens of social work theories, assessment methods, and intervention strategies. Additionally, I will consider the developmental concerns for her twins, her strengths and resources, and reflect on broader legislative issues surrounding mail-order brides.

Issue Identification

The primary issues evident in Rebekah’s case include domestic violence, emotional and psychological abuse, coercive control, exploitation through mail-order bride systems, and the trauma associated with forced migration and cultural displacement. Her vulnerability was exploited by her husband, who presented himself as reformed but continued to threaten and physically abuse her. Her lack of English skills and social support further isolated her, making her dependent and unable to seek help initially. The situation raises concerns about her safety, mental health, and the well-being of her children, who are at risk of developmental delays and trauma due to their exposure to violence and insecurity.

Conceptual Frameworks, Perspectives, and Intervention Methods

Addressing Rebekah’s issues effectively requires a multifaceted approach incorporating relevant social work theories such as systems theory, strength-based perspective, and trauma-informed care. Systems theory emphasizes understanding her within familial, social, and cultural contexts, highlighting how her environment affects her behaviors and choices (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). The strength-based perspective focuses on identifying her resilience and existing resources to promote empowerment (Saleeby, 1992). Trauma-informed care, which acknowledges the pervasive impact of trauma, guides the development of sensitive intervention strategies that prioritize safety, trust, and recovery (Herman, 1992). Interventions should include safety planning, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity, along with advocacy for her legal rights.

Assessment Tools

To assess Rebekah’s situation comprehensively, tools such as an ecomap and genogram would be valuable. An ecomap can depict her social relationships, support networks, and community resources, illuminating areas for intervention and support (Hartman & McLanahan, 1990). A genogram can help map her familial history, capturing patterns of relationships, migration, and historical trauma, thus informing culturally sensitive case planning (McGoldrick, Gerson, & Shellenberger, 1999). Standardized measures such as the trauma symptom checklist and depression inventories can quantify her mental health status for ongoing assessment and evaluate progress over time (Briere & Elliott, 1998).

Milestones for Twins’ Biological, Social, and Psychological Development

Assessing milestones involves monitoring physical growth (weight, height, motor skills), cognitive development (language, play skills), socialization (attachment to caregivers, interaction with others), and emotional regulation. Biologically, critical milestones include emerging motor skills such as crawling and walking by age one and developing sensory and perceptual abilities. Social milestones involve forming secure attachments and recognizing familiar faces. Psychologically, encouraging language development, emotional expression, and social skills are essential. Delays or regressions in these areas could indicate trauma or developmental issues stemming from neglect or exposure to violence.

Concerns for Children Due to Issues

The exposure to domestic violence, maternal stress, and instability raises significant concerns regarding the twins’ emotional and psychological well-being. Children in such environments are at risk of attachment issues, developmental delays, PTSD, anxiety, and behavioral problems (Duben & Penas, 1998). Their ability to develop trust and a sense of security is compromised, which can affect their future relationships and mental health. Additionally, the lack of a stable environment may hinder their physical growth and cognitive development, underscoring the importance of early intervention and a nurturing caregiving environment.

Client System Strengths and Needed Resources

Despite her vulnerabilities, Rebekah demonstrates resilience through her desire to escape and her ability to seek help. Her motivation to return to her mother indicates a cultural connection and hope for safety. Resources needed include legal support for immigration and domestic violence issues, safe shelter, language and educational services, psychosocial counseling, and community support networks. Her ability to communicate in broken English can be bolstered through interpreter services and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, empowering her to advocate for herself and her children.

The Mail Order Bride Law and Ethical Considerations

The Mail Order Bride Law, established after WWII, aimed to regulate and facilitate international marriages, but critics argue it is outdated and perpetuates exploitation. From an ethical perspective, the law primarily benefits men who can afford middlemen, often at the expense of vulnerable women subjected to trafficking and abuse (Bales, 2012). I agree that the law’s failure to adequately protect foreign women and its facilitation of potentially exploitative marriages highlight systemic issues of gender and economic inequality. Modern reforms should focus on safeguarding women’s rights, emphasizing informed consent, safety, and support mechanisms for victims.

Conclusion

Rebekah’s case underscores the importance of holistic, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed social work practices. Combining assessment tools, theoretical guidance, and resources, social workers can support survivors and promote healing. Addressing the legislative gaps is equally critical to prevent future exploitation and ensure justice and safety for vulnerable women like Rebekah.

References

• Bales, K. (2012). Disposable People: New Slavery in the Global Economy. Univ of California Press.
• Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of human development. Harvard university press.
• Briere, J., & Elliott, D. M. (1998). Clinical usefulness of standardized trauma assessment instruments. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 29(3), 297–301.
• Duben, C., & Penas, J. (1998). Impact of domestic violence on children. Child Welfare Journal, 77(1), 11-24.
• Hartman, T. K., & McLanahan, S. S. (1990). Techniques for social network analysis. Sociological Methods & Research, 19(4), 407-448.
• Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and Recovery. Basic Books.
• McGoldrick, M., Gerson, R., & Shellenberger, S. (1999). Genograms: assessment and intervention. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Saleeby, D. (1992). The strengths perspective in social work practice. Longman.