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Socialtjänstens arbete med att förebygga partnervåld: Riskfaktorer, professionella bedömningar och bedömningsprinciper

Norén, Lisa LU (2025) In Research Reports in Social Work 2025(4).
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious social issue with profound
consequences for individuals and society. To reduce the risk of harm caused
by IPV perpetration, social services need to engage in both primary and
secondary prevention efforts targeting the issue. However, effective
preventive work requires knowledge about the temporal sequence and
variability of risk factors associated with the perpetration of IPV, as well as
an understanding of the factors that influence social workers’ assessments of
severity and likelihood of recidivism. The aim of this licentiate thesis is to
identify and categorize the factors that, based on the current state of research,
can be linked to the... (More)
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious social issue with profound
consequences for individuals and society. To reduce the risk of harm caused
by IPV perpetration, social services need to engage in both primary and
secondary prevention efforts targeting the issue. However, effective
preventive work requires knowledge about the temporal sequence and
variability of risk factors associated with the perpetration of IPV, as well as
an understanding of the factors that influence social workers’ assessments of
severity and likelihood of recidivism. The aim of this licentiate thesis is to
identify and categorize the factors that, based on the current state of research,
can be linked to the perpetration of IPV, as well as to examine which factors
at different levels influence social workers’ professional judgements of such
situations.

The thesis comprises two studies. Study 1 is a scoping review that
summarizes and categorizes existing research on risk factors for IPV
perpetration, with particular attention to correlations and causal relationships.
Study 2 is a survey-based study of factors related to both the case and the
individual making the judgement influence statutory social workers’
assessments of severity and likelihood of recidivism in cases of IPV
perpetration. The empirical material includes 62 quantitative peer-reviewed
articles (Study 1) and 173 completed surveys from social workers engaged in
statutory social service work with children and/or adults (Study 2).
Study 1 examines risk factors for IPV perpetration to support preventive
interventions. Using Kraemer et al.’s (2005) categorization system, a scoping
review of 62 publications was conducted to identify and classify risk factors
among married and cohabiting couples. The findings were organized into
eight themes, and most (risk) factors within these themes showed
correlational relationships with IPV perpetration (correlates). Fixed markers
(risk factors that precedes the outcome but cannot be changed) and variable
markers (risk factors that precedes the outcome and can be changed) were
also identified, though research on these were limited. No causal risk factors
were found. The study highlights the usefulness of Kraemer et al.’s
framework in distinguishing correlation from causality and identifies key
areas for prevention, such as reducing childhood exposure to violence and
6
improving access to education. Further longitudinal research is warranted to
strengthen the evidence base.
Study 2, a survey study, explores how social workers rate the severity of
IPV and the likelihood of recidivism in IPV perpetration cases, focusing on
the influence of both case-related and individual factors. Using a factorial
survey design, 173 social workers in Skåne, Sweden, evaluated ten vignettes
each describing IPV perpetration, and rated perceived severity and estimated
likelihood of recidivism for the person described in the vignette. In the
survey, questions regarding individual factors were incorporated. The results,
analyzed through multilevel multivariate regression analysis, showed that
eight out of nine case characteristics significantly influenced both
judgements, especially type of violence and perpetrator’s gender. Individual
characteristics had limited impact. Notably, respondents’ judgements of
perceived severity were strongly related to their judgements of recidivism
likelihood, and perceived severity also mediated the effects of several case-level and individual-level variables on recidivism judgments. These findings
highlight the complexity of professional decision-making in IPV cases and
the need for further research to support evidence-based practice in social
work.

The concluding discussion of the thesis highlights the need for a more
precise and consistent terminology related to risk factors, as vague
terminology can hinder both assessments and interventions in social work.
Study 1 demonstrates that structured frameworks and clearer terminology can
help translate research findings into practically applicable judgement
principles, particularly by distinguishing between correlation and causality.
Study 2 shows that social workers’ judgements of severity and risk of
recidivism in intimate partner violence are primarily influenced by case-related factors, but also by factors related to the individual making the
judgements, which raises concerns about legal certainty and equity. By
formulating judgement principles grounded in both scientific evidence and
professional experience, social work practice can be strengthened toward
more reflective, equitable, and knowledge-based decision-making. (Less)
Abstract (Swedish)
Partnervåld utgör ett allvarligt samhällsproblem med omfattande konsekvenser för både individer och samhälle. För att minska risken för skada till följd av problemet behöver socialtjänsten arbeta med både primär och sekundär prevention. Ett effektivt förebyggande arbete förutsätter emellertid kunskap om den tidsmässiga ordningen och variationen av riskfaktorer som är förknippade med utövande av partnervåld, liksom förståelse för de faktorer som påverkar socialarbetares bedömningar av allvarlighetsgrad och risk för återfall. Syftet med denna licentiatuppsats är att identifiera och kategorisera de faktorer som, utifrån rådande forskningsläge, kan kopplas till utövande av partnervåld samt att undersöka vilka faktorer på olika nivåer som... (More)
Partnervåld utgör ett allvarligt samhällsproblem med omfattande konsekvenser för både individer och samhälle. För att minska risken för skada till följd av problemet behöver socialtjänsten arbeta med både primär och sekundär prevention. Ett effektivt förebyggande arbete förutsätter emellertid kunskap om den tidsmässiga ordningen och variationen av riskfaktorer som är förknippade med utövande av partnervåld, liksom förståelse för de faktorer som påverkar socialarbetares bedömningar av allvarlighetsgrad och risk för återfall. Syftet med denna licentiatuppsats är att identifiera och kategorisera de faktorer som, utifrån rådande forskningsläge, kan kopplas till utövande av partnervåld samt att undersöka vilka faktorer på olika nivåer som påverkar socialarbetares professionella bedömningar i sådana situationer.

Avhandlingen omfattar två delstudier. Studie 1 är en scoping review som sammanfattar och kategoriserar befintlig forskning om riskfaktorer för utövande av partnervåld, med särskilt fokus på korrelationer och kausala samband. Studie 2 är en enkätstudie som undersöker hur faktorer relaterade till både ärendet och den bedömande individen påverkar socialarbetares bedömningar av allvarlighetsgrad och risk för återfall i ärenden som rör utövande av partnervåld. Det empiriska materialet består av 62 kvantitativa peer review-granskade artiklar (Studie 1) samt 173 besvarade enkäter från socialarbetare verksamma inom myndighetsutövning med barn och/eller vuxna (Studie 2).
Studie 1 analyserar riskfaktorer för utövande av partnervåld i syfte att stödja preventiva insatser. Med utgångspunkt i Kraemer et al:s (2005) kategoriseringssystem genomfördes en scoping review av 62 publikationer för att identifiera och klassificera riskfaktorer bland gifta och samboende par. Resultaten organiserades i åtta teman, där majoriteten av faktorerna visade korrelation med utövande av partnervåld (korrelat). Även fasta markörer (riskfaktorer som föregår utfallet men inte kan förändras) och variabla markörer (riskfaktorer som föregår utfallet och kan förändras) identifierades, men forskningen kring dessa var begränsad. Inga kausala riskfaktorer påträffades. Studien understryker användbarheten av Kraemer et al:s ramverk för att skilja korrelation från kausalitet och pekar ut centrala områden för prevention, såsom att minska barns exponering för våld i familjen samt förbättra tillgången till utbildning. Ytterligare longitudinell forskning rekommenderas för att stärka evidensbasen.

Studie 2, en enkätundersökning, belyser hur socialarbetare bedömer allvarlighetsgrad och risk för återfall vid utövande av partnervåld, med fokus på påverkan av både fallrelaterade och individrelaterade faktorer (faktorer som rör bedömaren). Genom en faktoriell survey-design bedömde 173 socialarbetare i Skåne tio vinjetter som beskrev utövande av partnervåld och skattade upplevd allvarlighetsgrad samt återfallsrisk för den beskrivna personen. Enkäten inkluderade även frågor om individuella faktorer. Resultaten, analyserade med multilevel multivariat regressionsanalys, visade att åtta av nio fallrelaterade faktorer hade signifikant påverkan på båda bedömningarna, särskilt typ av våld och våldsutövarens kön. Individuella faktorer hade begränsad effekt. Bedömningar av allvarlighetsgrad var starkt korrelerade med bedömningar av återfallsrisk, och allvarlighetsgrad medierade effekterna av flera ärende- och individnivåvariabler i återfallsbedömningarna. Dessa resultat belyser komplexiteten i professionella beslutsprocesser vid partnervåld och behovet av ytterligare forskning för att utveckla kunskapsläget i frågan.
Avslutningsvis framhålls behovet av en mer precis och konsekvent terminologi kring riskfaktorer, då otydlig begreppsanvändning kan försvåra både bedömningar och val av/skapande av interventioner inom socialt arbete. Studie 1 visar att strukturerade ramverk och tydligare terminologi kan bidra till att översätta forskningsresultat till praktiskt tillämpbara bedömningsprinciper, särskilt genom att skilja korrelation från kausalitet. Studie 2 visar att socialarbetares bedömningar av allvarlighetsgrad och återfallsrisk vid våld i nära relationer främst påverkas av ärenderelaterade faktorer, men även av faktorer kopplade till den bedömande individen, vilket väcker frågor om rättssäkerhet och likvärdighet. Genom att formulera bedömningsprinciper grundade i både vetenskaplig evidens och professionell erfarenhet kan socialt arbete stärkas mot mer reflekterande, rättvist och kunskapsbaserat arbete.
(Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
supervisor
opponent
  • Professor Strand, Susanne, Örebro universitet
organization
alternative title
Social Services’ Work in Preventing Intimate Partner Violence : Risk Factors, Professional Judgements, and Judgement Principles
publishing date
type
Thesis
publication status
published
subject
keywords
Partnervåld, Professionella bedömningar, Riskfaktorer, Scoping review, Faktoriell survey studie, Intimate partner violence, Professional judgements, Risk factors, scoping review, Factorial Survey Approach
in
Research Reports in Social Work
volume
2025
issue
4
edition
2025:4
pages
133 pages
publisher
Socialhögskolan, Lunds universitet
defense location
Gamla köket, Sh128, Allhelgona kyrkogata 8, Lund
defense date
2025-12-05 10:15:00
ISBN
978-91-989360-9-4
978-91-989361-0-0
project
Social Services’ Work in Preventing Intimate Partner Violence: Risk Factors, Professional Assessments, and JudgementPrinciples"
language
Swedish
LU publication?
yes
id
aacf6cd2-b227-41ec-b71b-6a5ec3142c35
date added to LUP
2025-11-11 10:28:24
date last changed
2025-11-17 07:48:59
@misc{aacf6cd2-b227-41ec-b71b-6a5ec3142c35,
  abstract     = {{Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious social issue with profound <br/>consequences for individuals and society. To reduce the risk of harm caused <br/>by IPV perpetration, social services need to engage in both primary and <br/>secondary prevention efforts targeting the issue. However, effective <br/>preventive work requires knowledge about the temporal sequence and <br/>variability of risk factors associated with the perpetration of IPV, as well as <br/>an understanding of the factors that influence social workers’ assessments of <br/>severity and likelihood of recidivism. The aim of this licentiate thesis is to <br/>identify and categorize the factors that, based on the current state of research, <br/>can be linked to the perpetration of IPV, as well as to examine which factors <br/>at different levels influence social workers’ professional judgements of such <br/>situations. <br/><br/>The thesis comprises two studies. Study 1 is a scoping review that <br/>summarizes and categorizes existing research on risk factors for IPV <br/>perpetration, with particular attention to correlations and causal relationships. <br/>Study 2 is a survey-based study of factors related to both the case and the <br/>individual making the judgement influence statutory social workers’ <br/>assessments of severity and likelihood of recidivism in cases of IPV <br/>perpetration. The empirical material includes 62 quantitative peer-reviewed <br/>articles (Study 1) and 173 completed surveys from social workers engaged in <br/>statutory social service work with children and/or adults (Study 2). <br/>Study 1 examines risk factors for IPV perpetration to support preventive <br/>interventions. Using Kraemer et al.’s (2005) categorization system, a scoping <br/>review of 62 publications was conducted to identify and classify risk factors <br/>among married and cohabiting couples. The findings were organized into <br/>eight themes, and most (risk) factors within these themes showed <br/>correlational relationships with IPV perpetration (correlates). Fixed markers <br/>(risk factors that precedes the outcome but cannot be changed) and variable <br/>markers (risk factors that precedes the outcome and can be changed) were <br/>also identified, though research on these were limited. No causal risk factors <br/>were found. The study highlights the usefulness of Kraemer et al.’s <br/>framework in distinguishing correlation from causality and identifies key <br/>areas for prevention, such as reducing childhood exposure to violence and <br/>6<br/>improving access to education. Further longitudinal research is warranted to <br/>strengthen the evidence base.<br/>Study 2, a survey study, explores how social workers rate the severity of <br/>IPV and the likelihood of recidivism in IPV perpetration cases, focusing on <br/>the influence of both case-related and individual factors. Using a factorial <br/>survey design, 173 social workers in Skåne, Sweden, evaluated ten vignettes <br/>each describing IPV perpetration, and rated perceived severity and estimated <br/>likelihood of recidivism for the person described in the vignette. In the <br/>survey, questions regarding individual factors were incorporated. The results, <br/>analyzed through multilevel multivariate regression analysis, showed that <br/>eight out of nine case characteristics significantly influenced both <br/>judgements, especially type of violence and perpetrator’s gender. Individual <br/>characteristics had limited impact. Notably, respondents’ judgements of <br/>perceived severity were strongly related to their judgements of recidivism <br/>likelihood, and perceived severity also mediated the effects of several case-level and individual-level variables on recidivism judgments. These findings <br/>highlight the complexity of professional decision-making in IPV cases and <br/>the need for further research to support evidence-based practice in social <br/>work.<br/><br/>The concluding discussion of the thesis highlights the need for a more <br/>precise and consistent terminology related to risk factors, as vague <br/>terminology can hinder both assessments and interventions in social work. <br/>Study 1 demonstrates that structured frameworks and clearer terminology can <br/>help translate research findings into practically applicable judgement<br/>principles, particularly by distinguishing between correlation and causality. <br/>Study 2 shows that social workers’ judgements of severity and risk of <br/>recidivism in intimate partner violence are primarily influenced by case-related factors, but also by factors related to the individual making the <br/>judgements, which raises concerns about legal certainty and equity. By <br/>formulating judgement principles grounded in both scientific evidence and <br/>professional experience, social work practice can be strengthened toward <br/>more reflective, equitable, and knowledge-based decision-making.}},
  author       = {{Norén, Lisa}},
  isbn         = {{978-91-989360-9-4}},
  keywords     = {{Partnervåld; Professionella bedömningar; Riskfaktorer; Scoping review; Faktoriell survey studie; Intimate partner violence; Professional judgements; Risk factors; scoping review; Factorial Survey Approach}},
  language     = {{swe}},
  note         = {{Licentiate Thesis}},
  number       = {{4}},
  publisher    = {{Socialhögskolan, Lunds universitet}},
  series       = {{Research Reports in Social Work}},
  title        = {{Socialtjänstens arbete med att förebygga partnervåld: Riskfaktorer, professionella bedömningar och bedömningsprinciper}},
  url          = {{https://lup.lub.lu.se/search/files/232715286/e-spik_ex_Lisa.pdf}},
  volume       = {{2025}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}