In Malmö, three authorities—the police, social services, and probation services—collaborate with a common strategy to quickly respond to those who commit violence against their partner. The model for this strategy is found in the 'Sluta skjut' (Stop Shooting) initiative. However, Caroline Mellgren, an Assistant Professor of Criminology at Malmö University, stated, 'But it takes too long in the initial investigation phase to serve suspicion notices and conduct interrogations.
' Jonas Lander, Section Head for Crimes in Close Relationships, added, 'A large portion of our reports come in via phone and we lose momentum. ' Lander noted that the police in the Malmö area are actively working to improve this situation. There are problems with sharing information between authorities, but new legislation is hoped to facilitate this.
But it takes too long in the initial investigation phase to serve suspicion notices and conduct interrogations. Then this rapid response, which is the starting point for the entire strategy where a violent act should be met with a counteraction, is delayed.
In addition to organizational obstacles, there have been staff turnover and cultural barriers. Mellgren pointed out that working with domestic violence does not have the same status as working with serious organized violence. Researchers have looked at how the strategy is implemented but cannot say if it actually leads to reduced repeat offending.
Next year, the project will be integrated into regular operations.
A large portion of our reports come in via phone and we lose momentum. We have not been able to conduct victim interviews so many of our cases are closed due to lack of investigative measures.