Forståelser af psykisk vold: Forståelser af psykisk vold

Abstract

This thesis investigates the understandings of the phenomenon psychological domestic violence and what implications these understandings has for the affected individuals and the institutions, which work with cases surrounding the phenomenon — The agency of Family Law (In this thesis referred to as familieretshuset), Social Family Services (In this thesis referred to as familieafdelingen kommunalt) and Women shelters (In this thesis referred to as krisecenter). Drawing on Carol Bacchis theory on what the problem is represented to be, in the first part of the analysis about the Danish Governments official plans for actions against psychological domestic abuse from 2014 and 2023, it can be concluded that the approach and understanding of psychological domestic violence have evolved significantly. The political discourse has changed from describing an unhealthy behavior covertly and evolved to recognizing psychological domestic violence, as a severe form of violence, potentially leading to homicide of the abuse victim. The thesis examines how the different understandings on psychological domestic violence impact the institutions and the victims, through Donileen R. Losekes theory of how to successfully construct a social problem. To sum up, each of the interviewed employees in the institutions has a distinctive perception or understanding of which they utilize in their fields of work: The agency of Family Law uses a legal approach, while the Social Family Services, and the Women shelters relies on the victims' own definitions of the actions, that took place in the relationship. These differing approaches can create confusing and fragmented experiences for victims. Drawing on David L. Browns theory of Organizational interfaces in the final part of the analysis shows that a lack of cohesion can hinder an effective collaboration between the aforementioned institutions. Despite the challenges there is a desire for a better and more fruitful cooperation, which can be realized through feedback and open dialogue. The institutions agree on the need for more uniformed procedures and an integrated collaboration to address all aspects of psychological domestic violence, concerning when a family separates. A more uniformed or integrated approach, shared knowledge of the phenomenon, more productive conflicts between the different institutions and an increased flexibility, can strengthen the work with psychological domestic violence and hopefully provide a more extensive support for the affected individuals.

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A master thesis from Aalborg University

Forståelser af psykisk vold: Forståelser af psykisk vold

[Perceptions of psychological domestic violence: Perceptions of psychological domestic violence]