Communication & Diversity: Empathy Gaps, Intentions, and Vicki's Case

This report analyzes the case study of Vicki, focusing on perceived empathy gaps and intentions in the context of domestic abuse. It identifies gaps in understanding related to victims' values, beliefs, and life circumstances, including gender-based values, patriarchal life, and cultural acceptance. The intention is to develop empathy and knowledge to interpret the client's behavior. The report examines pre-existing values, beliefs, stereotypes, and biases. It highlights the importance of communication skills such as maintaining confidentiality, asking empathetic questions, active listening, sensitivity to cultural beliefs, and non-verbal communication, including attentive body language and observation of tone and facial expressions. The report references relevant literature on domestic violence, communication, and cultural diversity to support its findings.

EMPATHY AND
INTENTION

PERCEIVED EMPATHY GAPS
AND INTENTION:
 Aim: To demonstrate perceived empathy gaps
and intentions in relation to the case study of
Vicki
 Empathy gaps identified:
 Lack of understanding regarding values and
beliefs surrounding domestic abuse victims
 Poor knowledge about earlier life
circumstances leading to poor reporting about
abuse and violence
 Intention: To develop empathy towards client
and develop limited knowledge in the area of
understanding and interpreting specific
behaviour of client.

PRE-EXISTING VALUES
AND BELIEFS OF VICKI:
 Pre existing values and beliefs:
Gender based values, patriarchal life,
cultural acceptance of morality love and
affection for parents
 Stereotypes and biases identified: It
included signs of stereotypes related to
reporting about abuse and feelings of
shame in reporting about it

COMMUNICATION SKILLS TO
INCREASE EMPATHY WITH THE
CLIENT:
 Maintain confidentiality during interaction
 Ask caring and empathetic questions from
client
 Listen carefully without any judgment and
interruption
 Being sensitive to client’s cultural beliefs
 Non-verbal communication skills like
attentive body language by mean of eye
contact, encouraging gestures and leaning
forward
 Observing tone of voice and facial
expression

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