"I'm truly grateful to be able to do something so meaningful"

Her research on post-violence has gained significant attention, and she is now recognized as an expert in this field. Meet Sara Skoog Waller, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Gävle.

She is visible in many contexts. For Sara Skoog Waller, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and leader of the Crime and Social Harms research programme at the University of Gävle, it is important to reach the actors who can make a difference in issues related to gender-based violence, especially the post-violence many women and children experience long after leaving an abuser.

"I constantly feel a sense of urgency, and my drive is to give voice to the life stories many women and children carry, which are often silenced. They form a larger narrative of resistance and powerlessness, revealing patterns in gender-based violence—how violence in private spheres is intertwined with historical and socio-political contexts. Specifically, it can involve how legislation and official processes can amplify abusers' power and deepen the vulnerability of women and children."

Highlighting patterns of violence

Sara began as an assistant in psychology at the University of Gävle in 2007 while working on her master's thesis. Since then, she has held various roles and responsibilities at the University. She was employed as a lecturer, later earning a Ph.D. with a dissertation straddling witness psychology and language perception. Sara has also been responsible for courses in programmes like criminology and social work. Sara's research on post-violence has been notable because it highlights a serious social problem that previously lacked terminology. The report, "Without Me, You’re Completely Alone"—Women's Lived Experiences of Isolation by Society and Surroundings Following Men's Violence and Post-Violence, has had a significant impact and is based on a study conducted by Sara along with Ulla Forinder, Professor of Social Work.

How did you start researching these topics?

"There are many reasons, but when I was a doctoral student at the University, I was also involved with the women’s shelter 'Blåklockan' in Gävle. As chairperson, I was interviewed in a series that questioned the extent of women's vulnerability. I began digging into gender differences in exposure to violence because different studies conveyed different perspectives, and something about the numbers seemed off. Coming from a quantitative research background, I could see how methodological choices in surveys seemed to obscure women’s specific vulnerability. My questions grew, and I focused my research on intimate partner violence—it’s more powerful to show something than to just argue."

"A matter of human rights"

Sara also notes that the view of intimate partner violence as a private problem persists in societal responses. Children’s protection from violence is often determined in civil custody cases, where the violence is repeatedly obscured; women who have had to flee their homes due to violence have no enforceable right to new housing, and those subjected to stalking after separation may hear that the police can’t do anything.

"My impression, after conducting surveys and interviewing many women exposed to violence, is that you are not allowed to be free—both before and after separation, you can be prevented from living as a free and fully recognized rights holder. Ultimately, it’s a matter of human rights. The silver lining is that awareness has increased, and there are concrete measures that could counteract post-violence."

Always had good managers

Sara is passionate when she talks about her research, and she has many ongoing projects. But she also praises the University as an employer and enabler.

"I’ve always had incredibly good managers, there is close access to leadership, and it’s clear that work environment and leadership are prioritized. I am grateful for the support I receive and have received in developing my research. Having that trust from one’s managers means a great deal of freedom. I am truly grateful to be able to do something that feels so meaningful."

She appreciates that the University has such a beautiful campus, beautifully located by the Boulognerskogen forest: "I love the campus." She also appreciates that the University offers a good working environment especially that it’s a kind work environment where colleagues support and uplift each other.