När våldet riskerar att förbli osynligt : En kvalitativ studie om hur yrkesverksamma identifierar våld i nära relation hos kvinnor med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning

Sammanfattning

This study aims to shed light on how social workers identify intimate partner violence against women with intellectual disability and how organizational factors influence their work. Using a qualitative approach, we carried out semi-structured interviews with professionals working in different social service departments and LSS services. The data was analyzed through a critical theoretical approach and thematic analysis, together with Michael Lipsky’s theory of discretion including the concept of creaming, and the intersectional perspective as analytical frameworks. The results show that building relationships, trust, and adapted communication are important strategies in identifying violence. However, the results demonstrate how organizational limitations such as lack of time, heavy workload, poor collaboration, and unclear role distribution make the identification process more difficult. The findings also show that signs of violence are sometimes mistaken for traits of intellectual disability itself, which may make violence less visible. The study also shows that professionals discretion is affected by both organizational conditions and norms surrounding gender and disability. In conclusion this study provides a deeper insight into the challenges professionals face when identifying intimate partner violence against women with intellectual disabilities. It also highlights the need for more knowledge, better collaboration, and stronger organizational support in social services for women with intellectual disability.