”DET ÄR JU NÄSTAN INTE PRATBART” En kvalitativ intervjustudie av professionellas syn på våldsutsatta män i nära relationer

Abstract

The aim of this bachelor thesis was to examine how professionals, who work with men being subjected to intimate partner violence, perceive the vulnerability of these men, and to further examine how professionals reflect upon general policies affecting these men. The research data was collected through seven interviews with respondents based in different cities across Sweden, who work professionally with men being subjected to intimate partner violence. We applied a qualitative research method and used interview analysis as a means of analysing the collected data. A theoretical framework was outlined by applying theories regarding the construction of social problems, social exclusion, shame and masculinity. The views of the respondents indicate that men who are subjected to intimate partner violence may experience difficulties in identifying themselves as victims. In conclusion, the study shows professionals’ differing perceptions of the vulnerability of men who are subjected to intimate partner violence, which, in turn, demonstrates the complexity of the subject. The respondents emphasized the importance of how the phenomenon of men who are subjected to intimate partner violence is viewed and treated on a structural vis-à-vis individual level, as this can have an impact on when and whether the men identify themselves as victims and subsequently decide to seek help. Professionals thus play an important part in the process of including these men.