When the state sets the framework for honor: : - a discourse analysis of the Heva - model

Honor–related violence and oppression is a complex societal issue in Sweden, increasingly recognized since the early 2000s. To support social workers in working with such cases, the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) developed an assessment tool, the Heva – model, for identifying risks among children and young people in honor- related contexts. Previous research has shown uncertainty among social workers in distinguishing honor- based violence from domestic violence, as well as lack of specific assessment tools. This study analyzed how the Heva – model constructed honor – related violence as a social problem, focusing on risk factors and using a discourse analytical approach. The material of this study included Heva – manual and Heva - questionnaire, which were analyzed through coding to identify key themes. The results showed that the model framed honor-related violence as gender-based and rooted in patriarchal, collective norms. While aiming to be inclusive, it may reinforce stereotypes by implicitly associating risks as a form of cultural practices. Heva is a non-standardized format which allowed flexibility but also risked subjective interpretations. This study highlighted the importance of critical reflection and intersectional awareness in social work to ensure fair and unbiased evaluations.