Missing the mark

Re: “We should have paid heed to victims, not their culture,” Licia Corbella, Opinion, Jan. 31.

It pains me to realize we still have a long way to go before women can be truly safe. As a social worker, it disappoints me that my profession has missed the forest for the trees.

I began my career with every intent of doing good and offering support and protection to those in need.

Unfortunately, the systems do not allow true social work to take place. We have become so mired in professional standing, bureaucracy and accountability that we have lost our core values — protection, validation and social action for those less fortunate and at risk. Instead of listening and changing the system, we have become complacent.

We are the ones you should trust to protect you and listen to your story with compassion and validation. I volunteer my time at a local agency dedicated to empowering and supporting women. The Shafia women’s plight is not unique. Women and children — irrespective of race or culture — struggle and live in fear. Every woman who comes through our doors has a story of how difficult it is to get anyone to even validate their experiences, let alone offer meaningful help. This is not about better trained social workers. This is about common sense and basic human values.

When someone says: “I am scared, help me,” you help. There is no reason any of us cannot offer a safe space, a cup of coffee, an ear to listen and shoulder to cry on. This may not sound like much, but it is. Violence ends where compassion begins.

Elizabeth Cheung, Calgary