I have a background in health and behavioral sciences with a focus on forensic psychology, substance abuse treatment and sociology. My master's degree is in psychology, where my thesis focused on decision-making in moral dilemmas, social acceptance and gender preferences.
I have several years of experience in social work counseling adults with addiction and children as relatives of an adult with addiction problems.
In my research at Barnafrid, I investigate the prevalence of and differences in experiences of violence among youth and young adults with a refugee background and those born in Sweden, with a particular focus on experiences of violence in public places in Sweden. Furthermore, my research aims to deepen the understanding of the factors that predict resilience among refugee youth.
Violence in public places
Violence against children is a global problem that can lead to serious emotional and behavioral problems. When children are exposed to violence in public places - for example, by seeing or hearing violent events, or being directly harmed themselves - their sense of safety in everyday life is affected.
Public places, such as school routes, parks and squares, are environments where children often spend time. If these places are perceived as unsafe, it can limit children's freedom of movement, social life and mental well-being. According to the Public Health Agency of Sweden's Public Health Survey 2024, 24% of Swedes reported feeling so unsafe that they avoided going out after dark - a feeling that can be even stronger in children.
By studying violence in public places with a focus on children's experiences and needs, society can better understand how violence affects children and how to create safer environments for them to grow up in. It is an important part of protecting children's right to a safe and healthy childhood.
Youths with refugee backgrounds
Youths with a refugee background are at higher risk of exposure to violence, yet there are very few studies that focus on this particular group of youth.
Adolescence and young adulthood are a critical period in life, characterized by major changes in responsibilities, rights and access to social support. It is also a time when mental health problems are most prevalent, making youths with a refugee background particularly vulnerable. Understanding their experiences of violence and insecurity is therefore crucial to being able to offer the right support and preventative measures.
Sweden has also received a large number of asylum seekers in the 2000s, particularly from countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia - countries where many youths have experienced war, loss and trauma. Despite this, previous research has mainly focused on somatic health and health care consumption, while exposure to violence in public places among refugee youths remains an unexplored area.
