In this project, we examine how NAV works with issues related to domestic violence and how individuals exposed to violence experience their contact with NAV.
NAV stands for the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Services in Norway.
Domestic violence affects women, men, and children across all social groups, but NAV’s user groups are overrepresented. People exposed to violence struggle more than others to achieve financial independence, have lower participation in working life, and are more often on disability benefits. Survivors who leave a violent partner often need support to establish themselves anew.
NAV therefore plays an important role both in preventing violence through early detection and in following up adult and child survivors.
Nevertheless, we have limited knowledge about how NAV works with violence and how survivors experience their contact with NAV.
Research question
The study examines NAV’s work on domestic violence in three areas:
- The organization of NAV offices and the practices of NAV caseworkers
- Experiences of different user groups
- NAV’s collaboration with other actors
The project will provide research-based recommendations aimed at strengthening NAV’s work on this issue, both locally and nationally.
Data and method
The project combines quantitative and qualitative data. Data collection consists of:
- A survey among NAV leaders
- Group interviews with NAV caseworkers at nine NAV offices
- Individual interviews with users who have experienced domestic violence
- Interviews with representatives from the police, child protection services, and domestic violence shelters
