1. Assimilation into Social Services or Creating New Ways of Cooperation Katinka Ingves, Women’s Shelter Ellinor Social Work Social Development: Action and Impact Stockholm 2012

2. Women’s shelter Ellinor Independent (member of umbrella org. Roks) Helpline 4 beds in shelter for women + 8 beds for children Callers may remain anonymous Staff 2 full time, 3 part time, and 25-30 volunteers Support, counselling, opinion-forming Women separatistic No other rules to follow than organisation’s statutes

3. That was then, this is now… Women’s shelters then Women’s shelters now Precedence/initiative to problem formulation Entirely volunteer based (Only) alternative for abused women No official gender equality politics mentioned MVAW Focus on abused (hetero)women No monopoly on the question Employed staff/professionals One of many complementary services Official gov. goal: end MVAW Developed recognition and knowledge about more aspects of violence

4. What’s the problem? National and local Agreement National Board of Health & Welfare Agreement between government and idea-based organisation on safeguarding the autonomy and independence for NGOs Transparency, quality and dialogue Idea-based organisations are needed as voice and opinion formers Social Services Act regulate support to some women in shelters Documentation Report according to Lex Sarah Obligation to report on children’s need of protection Included in NBHW’s supervision responsibility

5. Local cooperation

6. Conclusion: new questions No answers today, but many questions Dilemma: conform to new directives, same time maintain autonomy according to Agreement and shelters’ own statutes Support seeking women and children need autonomous shelters Thank you! kvinnojouren.ellinor@roks.se