Using the window of opportunity - Co-operation between police and social services in cases of domestic violence in families with children.This article describes and discusses the cooperation between police and social services when working in accordance with the so-called Icelandic model. The aim of this article is to explore what cooperation within the Icelandic model during the “window of opportunity” means for police officers and social workers discretion and their possibility to perform their work in acute cases of domestic violence in families with children. Empirical data consists of interviews with police officers and social workers. Theories of new institutionalism and street level bureaucrats are used in the analysis.Results show that the Icelandic model has led to increased cooperation between police and social workers at the crime scene. The police and social workers state that they can focus to a greater extent on carrying out what they regard as their own tasks in acute cases of domestic violence when they work according to the model. At the same time, the model has entailed increased control of their work, which has reduced the degree of discretion and possibility for professional assessments and priorities. The perception that there is a “window of opportunity” is shared by the police and the social services and they believe that coordinated efforts in the acute phase are important.

This article examines the window of opportunity concept and its implications for police officers’ and social workers’ perceptions of abused women’s agency. The study consists of a qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with eight police officers and eight social workers who have worked according to the so-called Icelandic model. This model is based on the assumption that a window of opportunity exists. It is thus a relevant case for analysing the concept’s implications for practical work with and support of abused women. We found that the empirical basis for the window of opportunity concept was meagre. However, the professionals working with domestic violence thought that the concept was relevant, useful and in accordance with their experiences. During the time period they perceived as the window of opportunity, they attributed agency to abused women, and considered it important to offer support before the window closed. At the same time, they tended to underestimate women’s agency, and viewed a choice not to accept support as a sign that the woman had returned to the abuser.