Asean Social Work Journal

Navigating Suicidal Crisis in a Traditional Setting of Kyrgyzstan

Leila Salimova — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Case Study of Azat (name is changed) represents a joint effort of data gathering from the Researcher, the Social Pedagogue and other community members from one of the remote local schools in Kyrgyzstan. By using phenomenological research methods including non-structured interviews (n=3), observations and field trips, the researcher strived to understand and describe the essence of the phenomenon of suicide in a conservative country, like Kyrgyzstan. The study highlights the challenging circumstances faced by Azat, a 14-year-old residing in a village in Kyrgyzstan. Azat's family grapples with financial instability, parent’s labor migration, and sibling abuse, all of which have led to distressing experiences for him, including two suicide attempts. The analysis emphasizes the significance of understanding ecological systems and societal constructs in social work practice. It underscores the vital role of social workers in advocating for marginalized individuals like Azat, with suggested interventions including psychological support, collaboration with school professionals, and ongoing family visits to monitor progress and provide assistance. This case exemplifies the critical need for holistic, empathetic, and culturally sensitive social work interventions in addressing complex psychosocial challenges within vulnerable families.

Managing Suicidal Thoughts with DBT-Informed Social Work Counseling: Reflections on Working with a Filipino Young Adult

Alain Matteo Meneses — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Suicidal thoughts often serve as a precursor to suicide, which is a leading cause of death globally. In the Philippines, social work service users frequently present suicidal thoughts as an area of concern, yet the absence of standardized protocols and supportive systems complicates the role of Filipino social workers. Guided by Rolfe et al.’s Critical Reflection Model, this paper contemplates a social work helping process with a service user living with passive suicidal thoughts. Using a single case presentation, the paper illustrates the application of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)-informed social work counseling as an approach. Preliminary observations from the case suggest notable reductions in distress levels and underscore the importance of adapting and replicating the approach across diverse contexts. Additionally, the paper offers relevant practice insights drawn from the experience. It concludes with recommendations for advancing practice and future research in this critical area.

Deafening Echoes: Lived Experiences of Adult Survivors of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children

Adesty Dulawan, Lucila Bance — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) is a global phenomenon of technology-facilitated sexual violence that has become prevalent in the Philippines. This exploratory qualitative study aimed to establish an in-depth understanding of the enduring effect of OSAEC victimization and utilize the phenomenological perspectives to identify key components of a trauma intervention for the population. Specifically, in-depth interviews were held with 5 adult survivors who were initially screened for trauma and 5 psychologists who are providing therapy to survivors of sexual violence. The themes showed that adult survivors of OSAEC face instability across various aspects of their life, including financial constraints, complex family relationships, huge family responsibilities, and health issues. Furthermore, they manifest persistent trauma symptoms such as hounding fears, intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, negative affect and cognitions. Feelings of shame and stigma related to their past experiences likewise contribute to social isolation and emotional distress. Despite these challenges, the survivors demonstrate resilience through supportive relationships and faith-based coping. Facilitating the recovery of the survivors necessitate an integrative and survivor-focused therapeutic intervention that addresses the digital aspects of the abuse; builds skills in coping and emotional regulation; and fosters resilience. At the family and community level, empowerment is needed through advocacy and education to enable them to provide support and healthy environment for survivors to thrive. The recovery programs must likewise be anchored on responsive institutional systems around the survivors.

Literature Review on Children Outside Educational Opportunities: A Study of Children with Foreign Origin in Japan

Yuki Ohsaka — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Children of foreign origin in Japan face various hurdles in accessing educational opportunities, potentially limiting their strengths and abilities throughout their life course. With the aim of increasing the inclusion of children of foreign origin in Japanese formal education, this paper reviews the literature, focusing on early childhood education and care (ECEC) to identify what has been clarified in previous studies and what has not been sufficiently analyzed, to suggest future directions. Compared with the extensive studies conducted in the U.S., research on ECEC opportunities for children of foreign origin living in Japan is still in its nascent stage. To ensure access to ECEC for children of foreign origin in Japan, it is critical to examine the impact of ECEC on children of foreign origin in Japan and determine which types of ECEC are most effective. Also, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the specific nationalities, family environments, living conditions, cultural backgrounds, and attitudes of parents who do not utilize ECEC opportunities, and detailed research involving parents of children not enrolled in ECEC is necessary to understand the barriers and decision-making factors related to ECEC enrollment.

Power Abuse in Child Sexual Abuse in Indonesia

Kanya Eka Santi — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Child sexual abuse (CSA) in Indonesia is a critical issue shaped by the dynamics of power abuse. This study examines how perpetrators, often trusted figures such as family members, educators, or community leaders, exploit their authority to commit sexual abuse against children. Using a multiple case study approach, the research analyzes 15 cases from various regions in Indonesia. The findings reveal that CSA frequently involves the manipulation of power through threats, inducements, and the exploitation of cultural or religious norms. Contributing factors such as patriarchal norms, social stigma, and institutional weaknesses exacerbate the vulnerability of victims and hinder their access to justice. Framed within Michel Foucault’s theory, the power dynamics in these cases encompass hierarchies, normalization of violence, and discursive control. Perpetrators leverage their authority to instill fear and silence victims, while gaps in legal systems and patriarchal cultural values reinforce impunity. The long-term impact on victims includes psychological trauma, social stigma, and diminished quality of life. The study recommends strengthening child protection systems through public awareness campaigns, responsive reporting mechanisms, psychosocial support, and stricter oversight of educational and religious institutions to prevent and address CSA holistically.

Child Sexual Abuse in Focus: A Case Study on Case Management in a Selected Local Government Unit in Metro Manila

Florinor Algo — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores the processes and challenges faced by Local Government Unit (LGU) social workers in the Philippines when managing cases of child sexual abuse (CSA) under a child rights-based framework. It seeks to identify the facilitating and hindering factors that influence the application of case management protocols for CSA survivors, examining the impact of professional, organizational, political, and cultural aspects in a selected LGU in Metro Manila. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were gathered through a Rapid Assessment Instrument (RAI) survey of 28 LGU social workers, supplemented by qualitative in-depth and key informant interviews with additional stakeholders. Findings indicate that variability in case management practices is influenced by resource limitations, levels of political support, and cultural attitudes toward CSA, underscoring the need for enhanced training, resources, and support at the LGU level.

Integration of Child Protection and Social Protection for Child Victims of Violence in Indonesia

Anna Sakreti Nawangsari, Dessy Susanty , Yoel Setiawan , Fentiny Nugroho — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Social protection (SP) programs for children who are victims of violence have been provided through Child Protection (CP) services, but there are still gaps in meeting the needs in a comprehensive and sustainable manner. This study aims to determine the quality of CP services and their integration with SP services for child victims of violence in Indonesia. Using a qualitative case study method, this study was conducted in 4 provinces and 10 districts/cities, 5 cases of child victims of violence, and a number of informants from parents of victims, and stakeholders in the regions who are responsible for the issue of child victims of violence. Using qualitative methods, the results of the study indicate that there is no integrated policy between CP and SP services for child victims of violence. The lack of integration of CP and SP occurs both among institutions and within the Ministry that has the main tasks and related functions. In some policies related to SP in the form of social assistance under the social rehabilitation program, it is only intended for the poor, so that only children who are victims of violence and are poor can get this service. Integration of child protection and social protection is very important to create a comprehensive framework to address the needs of children who are victims of violence and their families. This paper recommends the integration of social protection and social protection programs by including violence against children as part of the poverty indicators.

Promising Efforts to Eliminate Violence Against Children in the Asia and Pacific Region

Ni Luh Putu Maitra Agastya — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000