Våld i nära relationer bland samkönade par. Socialarbetares erfarenheter av heteronormativitet i socialt arbete.

Sammanfattning: The aim of this study was to explore how heteronormativity influences social work regarding domestic violence in same-sex couples, based off the experiences of social workers. The research we found regarding this subject was limited, especially in Sweden. We wanted to explore the characteristics of domestic violence within same-sex couples. We also wanted to explore how heteronormativity is expressed in domestic violence with same-sex couples and in this field of social work. A qualitative method was used because it enables us to explore the participants' experiences in detail. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews. We interviewed 10 social workers who worked with domestic violence. The social workers came from 7 different organisations, 8 worked in the public sector and 2 in the private sector. Each interview was conducted separately using either Zoom or Skype. Our data was analysed using heteronormativity, which is the traditional idea of norms concerning gender, sexuality and family values. We also used Goffman's theory of stigma, this theory is used to explain the effects of not being a part of the dominant social matrix. Furthermore, we used neo-institutional theory to highlight how heteronormativity is expressed in and shapes social work. After analysing the social workers experiences, the result showed that the domestic violence in same-sex couples was equal to the violence appearing in other couples. However, the violence could feel more hurtful in same-sex relationships due to the double stigmatisation of both being homosexual and abused according to social workers experiences. Their experiences also showed that same-sex couples rarely seek support due to the stigmatisation and the feeling of not being included in this field of social work. Our data also showed that heteronormativity affects the structure of social work. The environment surrounding social work organisations is influenced by heterosexual couples that form the majority of the clients. Therefore, you can argue that social work is influenced by institutionalized heteronormativity.