Radio Silence in the Welfare System : A narrative analysis of how professionals and researchers, in podcasts, describe challenges in social services’ work with men's violence against women

Intimate partner violence represents a complex social challenge that demands coordinated, evidence-based interventions from social services. Despite this, media coverage and research reveal significant shortcomings, including inadequate organizational structures and resource allocation. As a relatively new domain within social work, the field is marked by evolving practices and uncertain implications of recent legislative changes, such as the new Social Services Act. This study explores how organizational challenges and interventions in social services’ work with men’s violence against women are described, through a narrative analysis of nine Swedish podcast episodes featuring researchers and practitioners. Participants' narratives are examined using Morén’s domain theory to illustrate the influence of various organizational levels on practice. The result indicates substantial variations in knowledge, consensus, and working methods across municipalities. Key barriers identified include insufficient collaboration, limited resources, and unclear guidelines, all of which hinder effective and legally secure interventions. At the same time, the study underscores the importance of long-term strategies, preventive efforts, and a holistic approach when supporting victims. By using podcasts as a source of information, the study captures a broader spectrum of voices, offering a more nuanced understanding than traditional academic research. This approach contributes new insights into the conditions and possibilities of social work in the context of men’s violence against women.