Key Points
- The Florida Institute for Child Welfare (FICW) hosted the "In Their Shoes" simulation as part of Florida State University's Discovery Days. The simulation presented participants with situations commonly faced by victims of domestic violence.
- The experience gave participants insight into obstacles faced by survivors of domestic violence trying to leave a dangerous situation.
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, organizations across the country work to educate the public about relationship abuse and dispel harmful misconceptions. One key focus is the difficulty of leaving an abusive relationship.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the most dangerous time in an abusive relationship is when a survivor is leaving. Survivors attempt to leave an average of seven times before escaping permanently.
To help illustrate these challenges, the Florida Institute for Child Welfare (FICW) hosted the "In Their Shoes" simulation as part of Florida State University's Discovery Days. The simulation presented participants with situations commonly faced by victims of domestic violence and required them to make decisions related to safety, housing, finances, employment and family well-being.
The experience gave participants insight into obstacles faced by survivors of domestic violence trying to leave a dangerous situation.
"This exercise highlights how decisions that may seem straightforward from the outside often involve significant complexity," said FICW Director Lisa Magruder. "Once participants understand more of the context, they begin to see the many gray areas involved. Ultimately, it helps build empathy."
To help participants process the experience, survivor advocate and simulation facilitator Krista Del Gallo led the group in a discussion afterward. Participants reflected on their emotional responses and connected their experiences to real barriers faced by victims.
Del Gallo said these discussions help participants process the complex and overwhelming emotions that can arise during the simulation.
"It's important to encourage participants to sit with those emotions and remember what they were thinking and struggling with during the simulation," said Del Gallo. "No one benefits if I understand domestic violence intellectually but walk away completely overwhelmed and hypervigilant."
Del Gallo explained that the experience aims to help people respond with understanding rather than skepticism when someone shares an experience of domestic violence. Even if they cannot provide everything a survivor needs in that moment, they can offer support, help connect the survivor with resources and take steps to improve their safety.
For child welfare professionals or social workers, this simulation may provide insight into why survivors may view them not as allies but as representatives of systems that could judge or punish them.
"We often begin with a trust deficit, so it's important to understand that people may not be fully transparent or grateful for intervention right away," said Del Gallo. "Every situation is different, but our role remains the same: helping families become safer and more stable."
Established by the Florida Legislature and housed in the FSU College of Social Work, the FICW offers research publications, educational opportunities and workforce development resources that support child welfare professionals. Through these efforts, the institute connects research, practice and policy to improve outcomes for families and strengthen Florida's child welfare workforce.
Visit the In Their Shoes event page
