Polisens bemötande av brottsoffer : En intervjustudie med våldsutsatta kvinnor som brottsoffer

This study explores how women who have experienced intimate partner violence perceive the police’s treatment and interactions with victims. Using qualitative interviews, the study examines women’s experiences of police conduct and communication regarding the legal process. The findings indicate that encounters with the police are often experienced as bureaucratic and difficult to navigate. Women emphasized the importance of safety and empathy. They also request being given the opportunity to share their experiences, while the participants experienced the police as primarily focused on crime investigation and procedural tasks. Limited information about the legal process further reduced their sense of participation and understanding. These results are discussed in relation to procedural justice theory, highlighting how respectful treatment, neutrality and the effective use of discretion can influence victims’ perceptions of fairness and legitimacy. The study suggests that when police interactions lack empathy or clarity, victims’ trust in law enforcement may be negatively affected, even when formal procedures are correctly followed.