Tillämpning av empowerment inom socialt arbete : En litteraturstudie om empowerment av våldsutsatta kvinnor inom socialt arbete

Abstract

Around the world, male violence against women is a major challenge for public health. Social workers often meet women exposed to domestic violence and therefore need qualified knowledge in how to treat and meet these women in the best way possible. Empowerment for preventing violence against women is an approach to support the victims in order to reduce risks of further domestic violence. The aim of the study is to get an enhanced knowledge of empowerment as an evaluative assessment, as used in social work with women objected to domestic violence. Problems and possibilities for change, in applying the model, are examined as relating to the different backgrounds of the women. This study is a systematic analysis of literature and social science articles on the topic, and the analysis applies to empowerment a theory. The result of the study shows that abused women´s possibilities to enforce empowerment through this model is affected by their individual basic conditions and circumstances. Some factors that contribute, to success or failure using the model, are religion, education, financial resources, residence and social context. Evaluating the empowerment model in preventing violence against women through a systems theory approach present a number of shortcomings from using the method. The models are often effective only in a specific setting and applied mostly through individually adapted support. Its usefulness for support of women around the world, affected by violence, is limited whereas background and living conditions differ. Men are not being included in the efforts for change. Another key aspect is rigid and entrenched structures of culture, religion and societal norms that present obstacles. Without support from family, friends and the community it becomes even more difficult for women to change their lives.