The Barnahus model has been lauded as the most significant reform in recent times regarding society’s handling of violence and abuse against children. The model is now being promoted internationally, with Barnahus centres being established in many countries with support from both the EU and the Council of Europe.
NOVA – Norwegian Social Research at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University has been researching the Barnahus model since its introduction in Norway in 2007 and is a leading player in Barnahus research internationally.
What are we researching?
Some of the topics of NOVA’s Barnahus research include:
- The balance between the support track and the criminal justice track;
- Governance and regulation of the model;
- Children’s and relatives’ experiences; and
- The work methods and working practices of Barnahus staff.
NOVA is responsible for the two evaluation studies that have been conducted on the Norwegian Barnahus model (the first one in collaboration with the Norwegian Police University College) and coordinates the Nordic Network for Barnahus Research.
NOVA researchers are also co-editors of two English-language anthologies on the model and have published several articles on the Barnahus model in international journals. The first Norwegian doctoral dissertation on Barnahus work was also written under the auspices of NOVA.
The Nordic Network for Barnahus Research
Following the first evaluation of the Norwegian Barnahus model, NOVA initiated a Nordic Barnahus research network in 2014 (now the Barnahus Research network). The purpose was to establish a platform for presenting and discussing research on the model and to facilitate contact and collaboration between researchers and others in the Nordic region interested in the Barnahus model.
One outcome of this collaboration was the book Collaborating Against Child Abuse: Exploring the Nordic Barnahus Model, published by Palgrave in 2017. A new anthology was published in 2024: Justice and Recovery for Victimised Children – Institutional Tensions in Nordic and European Barnahus Models (Open Access) (link.springer.com).
NOVA is currently working on revitalising the Barnahus Research Network. As the Barnahus model spreads to more countries, it is hoped to extend the network beyond the Nordic borders to encompass a wider range of experiences with the model. A meeting in the network will be held October 10th and 11th 2024. If you are researching Barnahus and are interested in participating in the network meeting and/or the network, please contact network leader Elisiv Bakketeig at oslomet.no.