On different planets? A study of cooperation in post-separation violence cases

Research problem and specific questionsMen’s intimate partner violence against women is a wide spread social problem that impacts the lives of many women and children. Furthermore, violence sometimes continue post-separation.

Research indicate that professionals tasked with combating post-separation violence do not always coordinate their interventions to victims.

Yet, such coordination is important if victims are to be protected from violence, and there are national guidelines (HSLF-FS 2022:39) that demand that social services cooperate with other professionals.

Thus, the project aims to shed light on how professionals deal with post-separation violence and cooperation, specifically asking which obstacles and opportunities they see to achieve cooperation and implementation of national guidelines. Data and methodThe project seeks to generate rich descriptions of experiences of cooperation.

Hence, qualitative methods will be utilized:9 group interviews with social workers in three municipalities, exploring social services’ work and cooperation in post-separation violence cases.9 interviews with professionals in women’s shelters, police, and judges in the municipalities.3 focus groups will be carried out to shed light on how cooperation between different organizations can be increased.

Thus, professionals from social services, women’s shelters, police and judges will be included in these interviews.

Societal relevance and utilizationMen’s violence against women, including post-separation violence, remain a challenge to society.

The project contributes knowledge on how post-separation violence is dealt with among professionals tasked with combating violence, and how cooperation may increase.

Such knowledge is important since professionals’ work and cooperation needs to be successful in order for women and children to be able to live lives free of violence. Plan for project realisationThe project’s duration is three years.

It will be led by Josefin Kjellberg (80%) in collaboration with experienced researchers; professor Pia Tham (5%) and Sara Skoog Waller (15 %), to ensure high quality in planning and conduction of the project.

The budget covers wage costs and necessary costs for application for ethical approval, language editing, conferences, etc.