Method development
The work at Karin is focused on the victims of the crime, that is the exposed woman and her children. The police can be informed of a crime in several ways, inter alia through the police at the scene of the crime, through a visit to the police station or for instance through the social services, medical services or a crisis centre for women. In connection with the police complaint a first evaluation is made of the incident and of what measures to take.
At Karin
Every morning, Monday to Friday, the police, prosecutors and social workers from the Crisis Centre for Women who have been exposed to violence and their children, meet to make a joint plan of the co-operation for the benefit of the exposed women.
At this meeting the prosecutor gives the police instructions regarding current preliminary investigations. The police take steps with a view to collecting evidence and giving the prosecutor supporting documents to make it possible to decide whether legal proceedings should be taken. One of the most important measures is to make it possible for the injured party to tell about her ordeals. Statements from witnesses are important for the course of events and these statements should be taken as soon as possible after the crime has been committed. A decision is taken whether to let the exposed woman undergo forensic examination, i.e. a thorough external examination of the injuries.
During the first meeting, the injured party shall be informed about the right to request a legal adviser. The legal adviser will assist the victim of crime during the complete course of the legal process. The police shall also make sure that a "children at risk" form is faxed to concerned district council or local authority according to the Social Services Act, Chapter 14 Section 1.
Every morning before the meeting, the competent manager makes an individual estimation to determine the need for protection. Then the police authority requests the crisis centre to contact the woman to offer her a meeting to discuss her need for protection. In connection with this discussion, the woman is also offered psychosocial support and counselling. She is also informed about possibilities of help for her children. In case of an urgent need for protection, first of all the local authority will be contacted for sheltered housing. The woman is also offered assistance to contact the concerned district council or local authority. The support to the exposed woman and children will still be there irrespective whether the crime has been proved or not.
At Karin
Every morning, Monday to Friday, the police, prosecutors and social workers from the Crisis Centre for Women who have been exposed to violence and their children, meet to make a joint plan of the co-operation for the benefit of the exposed women.
At this meeting the prosecutor gives the police instructions regarding current preliminary investigations. The police take steps with a view to collecting evidence and giving the prosecutor supporting documents to make it possible to decide whether legal proceedings should be taken. One of the most important measures is to make it possible for the injured party to tell about her ordeals. Statements from witnesses are important for the course of events and these statements should be taken as soon as possible after the crime has been committed. A decision is taken whether to let the exposed woman undergo forensic examination, i.e. a thorough external examination of the injuries.
During the first meeting, the injured party shall be informed about the right to request a legal adviser. The legal adviser will assist the victim of crime during the complete course of the legal process. The police shall also make sure that a "children at risk" form is faxed to concerned district council or local authority according to the Social Services Act, Chapter 14 Section 1.
Every morning before the meeting, the competent manager makes an individual estimation to determine the need for protection. Then the police authority requests the crisis centre to contact the woman to offer her a meeting to discuss her need for protection. In connection with this discussion, the woman is also offered psychosocial support and counselling. She is also informed about possibilities of help for her children. In case of an urgent need for protection, first of all the local authority will be contacted for sheltered housing. The woman is also offered assistance to contact the concerned district council or local authority. The support to the exposed woman and children will still be there irrespective whether the crime has been proved or not.
When the woman and her accompanying children come to Karin, she will be received in the specially adapted environment. A receptionist will take care of her and show her around.
Contact
Skåne County Police
Anna Gustafsson
Project manager
Phone
+46 40 20 11 29
Mobile
+46 70 211 00 30
Integrated Domestic Violence Programme
Margot Olsson
Coordinator
Central administration of Social services
City of Malmo
Phone
+46 40 34 93 12
Mobil
+46 70 818 91 69
E-mail
margot.olsson@malmo.se
Project manager: Anna Gustafsson, Skåne County Police, 205 90 Malmo, Sweden. Visitingsddress: Drottninggatan 18, Malmo, Sweden. Phone +46 40 20 11 29