Att kunna sin sak- En tvärsnittsstudie om hur personer som arbetar med våld i nära relationer ser på sin kunskap och kompetens i ämnet

Sammanfattning: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global issue which occurs in all contexts. In order to help victims and perpetrators of IPV it is essential that professionals, such as social workers, psychologists and nurses, have sufficient knowledge and competence regarding the issue. The current study aimed to examine professionals’ view of their knowledge and competence regarding IPV based on the factors: type of violence (physical/psychological), roles (victim/perpetrator) and gender (men/women). An internet survey was distributed to professionals who treat, evaluate or support individuals who could be victims or perpetrators of IPV. 137 professionals participated in this study. The analysis was conducted on professionals as a combined group and was extended by a comparative analysis based on professional groups (social workers/psychologists/nurses). Results showed that the professional group social workers considered themselves to have the most knowledge and competence concerning IPV, both in general and regarding the specific factors type of violence, roles and gender. Almost all of the professionals requested more education regarding IPV. Furthermore, professionals considered themselves to have more knowledge and competence regarding physical violence than psychological violence. Also, professionals claimed they had got more education about, and possessed more knowledge and competence concerning victims of IPV than perpetrators. Knowledge and competence were rated higher regarding female victims than male victims, and higher regarding male perpetrators than female perpetrators. Further research should continue to examine professionals’ knowledge and competence regarding all aspects of IPV in order to improve treatment and support. This is also essential in order for professionals to feel secure in their professional practice.