- Violence and abuse
ECHO – Experiences of children after domestic homicide
Intimate partner homicide affects far more than the person who is killed – it also deeply impacts children, families, and entire communities. When such a tragedy occurs between parents, children are left in an extremely challenging situation, often without either of their primary caregivers. This project aims to generate new and essential knowledge about the lives of children after an intimate partner homicide. We seek to understand their everyday experiences, how care arrangements are made…
Contact the research group
Gertrud Sofie Hafstad
Facts about the project
Period
2025-2030
Category
Project description
The project explores the situation of children who have lost one or both parents as a result of intimate partner homicide. We aim to gain an overview of how many children are affected, what decisions are made on their behalf, and how these decisions influence their lives – both in the short and long term. A key goal is to highlight the children’s own experiences and perspectives in a context that has so far received little research attention.
The project will address questions related to care arrangements, the role of public services, and the consequences for children’s health, education, and social relationships. We will also explore ethically complex issues, such as how contact with the surviving parent and extended family is managed, and how to take into account the needs of families with multicultural backgrounds.
The project is organized into three work packages that examine the situation of children affected by intimate partner homicide from different perspectives. By combining document analysis and interviews, we aim to gain both a systematic and a personal understanding of the children’s circumstances and how these cases are handled.
Work Package 1 analyzes court documents and other case materials to provide an overview of how cases involving children after partner homicide are managed.
Work Package 2 involves interviews with young adults who have lost one or both parents to intimate partner homicide, in order to better understand their experiences and life situations.
Work Package 3 gathers insights from professionals and caregivers who have been involved in such cases, to explore how decisions are made in practice.
Data collection takes place in collaboration with legal representatives, child welfare services, the Norwegian Foster Home Association, LEVE (the Norwegian Association for Survivors After Suicide), and other relevant organizations. The project places strong emphasis on ethical conduct and safe participation, and works closely with user groups to ensure relevance and quality. It also includes Nordic and international partners in Sweden, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Australia.