Citation

Eriksson MC, Christianson S. Vict. Offender 2017; 12(4): 523-548.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15564886.2015.1118419

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine professionals' experiences, perceptions, and knowledge regarding violence-exposed children in order to clarify the status and opportunities these children have in the Swedish legal system. A questionnaire was distributed to 63 professionals, representing police, prosecutors, social personnel, and treatment personnel.

FINDINGS revealed several problems that hindered effective work. Routines and guidelines were lacking and knowledge gaps regarding these children were found among all professions. Perceptions that children remember and tell were widely held, although conditions enabling sufficient reports are seldom met.

RESULTS can be used to guide necessary changes in national routines and guidelines to ensure recovery and maintaining of societal rights of this group of psychologically abused victims.

Language: en

Keywords

qualitative methods; child abuse; family/domestic violence; victim’s rights