"Tack och lov så händer det inte så ofta" : En studie av fyra socialsekreterares erfarenheter av hot och våld från klienter

The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of threats and violence among four social workers at a social services' reception center for individual and family care. The study uses semistructured interviews and an abductive approach. The analysis is based on previous research, communication theory, coping and sense of coherence, SOC. The study shows that the studied workplace isn't considered to be particularly exposed to threats and violence, although all four respondents have experienced threats and/or violence. The respondents make a difference between threats and harsh words from clients because they consider their clients are entitled to be upset considering the nature of the work conducted at the workplace. The study shows that it may be that the social workers have a strong coping and SOC, which in combination with the preventive measures from the employer provides a basis for creating a good meeting with the client where the relationship patterns and the client's inferiority doesn't create blockages and disruptions in the communication. Keywords: threat, violence, social workers, social service