Case study
Amisha is a 25 year-old female who resides in Brampton with her husband of five years, 39 year old Riaz and her mother and father in law. Amisha arrived in Canada approximately five months ago from India after being sponsored by her husband.
This was an arranged marriage. Her family continues to reside in India. Amisha identifies as being Hindu. Amisha has had three pregnancies, which all resulted in early miscarriages. While Amisha is not fluent in English, she is able to communicate general information.
You are a Mental Health Counselor at Bramalea Community Health Centre. Amisha has been coming to your organization for medical care since her most recent miscarriage two months ago.
Today, one of the nurses has observed marks on Amisha’s neck that appear to be bruises, and has asked you to meet with her. The nurse did not ask about the bruising and you have not previously met with Amisha.
Information you do not yet know since arriving in Canada, Amisha’s husband has been physically and sexually abusing her on a regular basis.
He is also preventing her from having any contact with her family. He was not abusive towards her prior to her arriving in Canada.
While his parents are aware of some of the abuse, they are not sympathetic to Amisha and are supporting their son.
They have no respect for Amisha as she has miscarried her pregnancies and they were hoping for a grandson. Amisha has limited financial resources as her husband manages the finances and only provides her with a small amount of cash.
He also has all of her documentation. She has no friends but on occasion has been able to attend the local temple.
Your organization provides a range of programs, including programs for new parents, new immigrants and families experiencing domestic violence and general counselling services.
As the Counsellor, your goal is to engage Amisha in hopes that she will feel comfortable disclosing domestic violence. Remember, you have not previously met and she is new to Canada so she will not necessarily know your role and how you may help.
She likely also does not know what her rights are. If Amisha discloses abuse, what are your professional and/or legal obligations if any? What are your priorities in meeting with this client and what might her priorities be? What might her worries be? What information would you like the client to know before leaving the centre?