ABSTRACT
Participation is a key issue for children moving to a shelter for victims of domestic violence. To get information, be consulted and be able to take part in decisions regarding the move could potentially make the often hasty and unplanned transition to and stay in an unfamiliar context easier for the child and support the child’s sense of coherence in spite of a challenging situation. There is currently a lack of research on methods aiding children’s participation. The aim of the current study is to explore how the practice model Good Dialogues, which is intended to facilitate and enhance children’s participation, is put into practice in a women’s shelter context. Drawing on a pilot project with interviews with practitioners in a women’s shelter in Sweden, and a sample of audio recorded Good Dialogues conversations between practitioners and children, the study shows that implementation of this method is possible in a shelter context and that it can be put into practice as intended: to enhance children’s participation. However, more research is needed to fully understand how this practice model works in a shelter context and how participation for children in shelters for victims of domestic violence can be enhanced in the best way possible.