”Kom ihåg att det är en person du pratar med” - En innehållsanalys om barns berättelser om mötet med Socialtjänsten

Children who come into contact with social services often have prior experiences of trauma. While Social Services aim to provide protection and support, research shows that encounters with authorities may also entail a risk of secondary victimization, particularly when children are not listened to, informed, or involved in decisions concerning their lives. Despite growing attention to children's rights and participation, children's own perspectives on secondary victimization within social services remain relatively unexplored. This study aims to examine how children describe their emotional experiences in encounters with social workers and to analyse these experiences in relation to secondary victimization. The study is based on a qualitative content analysis of children's narratives published in reports and material from non-governmental organizations and public authorities. The analysis is guided by a deductive approach, using theories of secondary victimization, trauma, and child participation. The findings show that children frequently describe feelings of mistrust, fear, uncertainty, powerlessness and shame in their interactions with social services. These emotional responses are closely linked to a lack of information, limited participation, and experiences of not being believed or not taken seriously. At the same time, children also describe supportive encounters characterized by listening, transparency, and respect, which appear to reduce the risk of secondary victimization. The study highlights the importance of trauma-informed and participatory approaches in social work practice to prevent secondary victimization and promote children's sense of safety, agency, and trust.