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Vägen ut - att bryta våldet

Andersson, Nova LU and Vastersson, Alva LU (2026) SOPB63 20261
School of Social Work
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the factors that contribute to men who use violence against their female partners seeking support from social services for the first time and initiating behavioral change. The study was based on a qualitative approach and consisted of semi-structured interviews with seven social workers in Sweden who work with men using violence in intimate relationships. The empirical material was analyzed through thematic analysis and interpreted using social constructionism, hegemonic masculinity, and stigma theory. The findings show that men rarely seek help on their own initiative; instead, the contact is often preceded by external pressure such as separation, fear of losing children, police involvement, or ultimatums from... (More)
This study aimed to examine the factors that contribute to men who use violence against their female partners seeking support from social services for the first time and initiating behavioral change. The study was based on a qualitative approach and consisted of semi-structured interviews with seven social workers in Sweden who work with men using violence in intimate relationships. The empirical material was analyzed through thematic analysis and interpreted using social constructionism, hegemonic masculinity, and stigma theory. The findings show that men rarely seek help on their own initiative; instead, the contact is often preceded by external pressure such as separation, fear of losing children, police involvement, or ultimatums from partners or authorities. Shame, stigma, and masculine norms were identified as significant barriers to help-seeking, while a respectful and non-judgmental professional approach was described as crucial in motivating men toward change. The study concludes that preventing men’s violence against women requires both protective interventions for victims and preventive, change-oriented interventions directed at perpetrators. The study concludes that men often have a short window of motivation for behavioural change, which highlights the importance of providing low-barrier support interventions by professionals. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Andersson, Nova LU and Vastersson, Alva LU
supervisor
organization
course
SOPB63 20261
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
intimate partner violence, help-seeking behavior, male perpetrators, social support, motivation
language
Swedish
id
9232258
date added to LUP
2026-06-11 16:43:16
date last changed
2026-06-11 16:43:16
@misc{9232258,
  abstract     = {{This study aimed to examine the factors that contribute to men who use violence against their female partners seeking support from social services for the first time and initiating behavioral change. The study was based on a qualitative approach and consisted of semi-structured interviews with seven social workers in Sweden who work with men using violence in intimate relationships. The empirical material was analyzed through thematic analysis and interpreted using social constructionism, hegemonic masculinity, and stigma theory. The findings show that men rarely seek help on their own initiative; instead, the contact is often preceded by external pressure such as separation, fear of losing children, police involvement, or ultimatums from partners or authorities. Shame, stigma, and masculine norms were identified as significant barriers to help-seeking, while a respectful and non-judgmental professional approach was described as crucial in motivating men toward change. The study concludes that preventing men’s violence against women requires both protective interventions for victims and preventive, change-oriented interventions directed at perpetrators. The study concludes that men often have a short window of motivation for behavioural change, which highlights the importance of providing low-barrier support interventions by professionals.}},
  author       = {{Andersson, Nova and Vastersson, Alva}},
  language     = {{swe}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Vägen ut - att bryta våldet}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}