To Örebro University

The risk of violence in close relationships is higher for people with cognitive disabilities than in the general population. This is due to social isolation, and physical or financial dependence on others in everyday activities. To enable adequate protection for these victims, social workers need to take decisions and provide support that is based on knowledge about both violence and disability-related needs. By contrast, people with cognitive disabilities are de facto less likely to be provided with support adapted to their needs. Therefore, this study explores how social workers navigate barriers and facilitating aspects to support victims of violence with cognitive disabilities.Data were collected in individual interviews with 18 social workers, and analysed using content analysis. The inclusion criteria were 3 years or more experience in identifying and/or assessing exposure to violence in close relationships among people with cognitive disabilities.

The emerging categories illustrate how social workers face dilemmas when navigating the balance between individuals’ rights for self-determination and complex needs for protection and support. The policies that frame social workers' practice in Sweden are discussed in relation to the need for flexible interventions and accessible support based on interprofessional collaboration related to violence and cognitive disability. The categories also problematize the power dynamics involved and how different actors’ experiences, values, and power influence the support process. The different actors involved add to the complexity that social workers need to navigate.

This presentation focus on how social workers' practice is governed and hindered by policy, a focus on individuals' rights for self-determination, and the need to support and protect a group that may have difficulties to identify both violence and their needs for support.