Honor above God : Social Workers Experiences of Honor related Violence and Oppression – A Qualitative Study on Protection, Assessment and Identification

This study examines how social services in Sweden identify, assess and protect individuals at risk of honour-related violence and oppression. The study is based on qualitative interviews with eight social workers and examines how these cases are classified, mechanisms for identifying them and the challenges faced by protection efforts, especially in cases where individuals or their families refuse interventions. The results indicate that honour-related violence is seen as collective violence based on social norms and carried out by multiple actors. Identification of victims is often hampered by stereotypes, limited knowledge and a lack of appropriate tools. Prevention work is also complex, given the social isolation and psychological stress it can cause for the individuals involved. The analysis based on theories of intersectionality, street-level bureaucracy and discretion, highlights the crucial importance of social workers’ professional judgement and self-esteem in dealing with these issues. The study concludes that clearer guidelines, ongoing professional training and systematic reflective practice are needed to improve the quality of protection and support provided to groups affected by honour-related violence.