Violence in close relations, a study on the collaboration between the social services, police and women's shelter in Malmö

Abstract: Violence in close relations is both an issue for the victim as well as a social problem that depends on the collaboration between different authorities. This thesis aim is to examine how the police, social services and women’s shelters collaborate in regards to violence in close relations. In order to achieve the aim, this thesis used a qualitative semi-structured interview method that had questions derived from two theories; Lipsky’s street-level bureaucrats’ theory and Danermark’s collaboration theory. The results found that the collaboration works well despite there being an aspect that could make it more difficult. What seems to be the biggest resource issue for all the authorities, specifically for the police, is the issue of finding translators. This can have a huge effect for women seeking help if they are not being understood, especially when there is a high percentage of non-Swedish ethnic women that suffers from violence.