Social work practices with victims of violence among people with cognitive disabilities

Abstract

People with cognitive disabilities are exposed to significantly higher rates of violence in close relationships than the general population. However, social workers may find it challenging to identify victims among them, make risk assessments, and provide support. This study contributes to the field by describing and analysing social workers’ practices with victims of violence in close relationships among people with cognitive disabilities in Sweden. Analysis of five focus-group discussions including 20 social workers revealed four main themes that describe the practices used with these victims, ‘Competency’, ‘The system of collaboration’, ‘Protective and supportive measures’ and ‘Instruments and tools’. Sub-themes illuminate the differences in competency and resources offered to victims of violence in close relationships between mainstream victim services and disability services. Mainstream victim services have a lack of practices adapted for people with cognitive disabilities, and disability services have a lack of practices for victims of violence. Additionally, these services were found to have insufficient collaboration. The findings are discussed in relation to previous research and theory. We suggest that future research should investigate the prerequisites for services to collaborate.