Gender-based violence in Sápmi: analysing and developing the social service’s possibilities to meet the needs of abused Sámi women

Research Problem and Specific QuestionsMy current research shows that Sámi women report a higher exposure to violence compared to women in Sweden and point to barriers for supporting this group, linked to lack of Sámi competence and distrust among Sámi clients.

While the social services are obligated to support those subjected to gender-based violence (GBV), research on social work with Sámi in Sweden is non-existent.

Addressing this knowledge gap, this study examines how the social services respond to GBV in Sápmi, and Sámi women’s own understandings of needs and challenges when exposed to GBV, aiming to improve the social services support. The research questions are:1.

What experiences, understandings, and challenges of supporting Sámi women subjected to violence and of responding to GBV in Sápmi are described by social workers?2.How do Sámi women understand their experiences of being subjected to GBV? What specific challenges and needs linked to the Sámi and rural context do they describe?

What are their experiences of seeking and receiving support from the social services and other societal actors?3.How can the social services´ ability to respond to the needs of Sámi women subjected to GBV be improved?

Data and MethodThe project builds on a qualitative study design carried out in three phases, involving a collaborative learning process well suited for user involvement and Indigenous research. Q 1 and 2 are addressed through interviews with social workers and women in Sápmi respectively. Q 3 is addressed through a collaborative learning process based on knowledge exchanges and workshops.

Societal Relevance and UtilisationThe study addresses significant knowledge gaps regarding GBV in Sápmi and the social services´ role.

The study will offer suggestions to improve the social service’s support and create a much-needed structure for dialogue between the social services and Sámi in Sweden.

Plan for Project RealisationThe project manager is supported by two participating researchers, a scientific advisory group and a collaborative working group (CWG) involving social services, Sámi stakeholders and women’s shelters.

The three-year project includes costs for researchers’ salaries, interviews with social workers (year 1), and GBV-affected Sámi women (year 2), workshops (year 2 and 3) as well as for study visits and disseminating results.