Knowledge circulation in collaboration within the area of intellectual disability and violence

The project is based on research studies revealing that people with intellectual disability are more exposed to violence than other citizens.

Research also shows that professionals who meet the target group fail to detect exposure to violence, and that those who meet victims of violence lack knowledge about the target group. This means that the target group is not offered support measures to the same extent as other citizens.

The motivation of this collaboration project is based on the need for knowledge circulation within social services and research to identify preventive and support measures in the area of intellectual disability and violence.

More specifically, the two-fold aim is that social service professionals and researchers in the field should map and analyze: -forms of knowledge circulation in cooperation within social services and research, and further knowledge development -research on, and practical experience with, preventive measures and support measures in the area as well as method development The project is organized with a steering group with representatives from "Funkionsstödsförvaltningen" and Social Services, the City of Gothenburg, researchers from the University of Gothenburg, a reference group with representatives from national authorities and a project team with professionals who work with the target group and with victims of violence, and researchers.

Three sub-studies with qualitative and quantitative methods are to be carried out: 1 the project team maps current knowledge and methods as well as barriers and success factors for collaboration and knowledge circulation. 2 the project team invites professionals to focus groups to deepen the understanding of knowledge circulation in collaboration. 3 the project team compiles a questionnaire that is sent out to representatives of social services in all Swedish municipalities to map knowledge in the area, what interventions are given and what needs exist.

The project is expected to contribute to an understanding of knowledge circulation and how this can contribute to the prevention of violence against people with intellectual disability and how they can be supported.

The knowledge will be research-based as well as practice- and experience-based and enable further development in collaboration between research and social services activities for the target group. The project is also expected to generate further research and practice development in collaboration.