Success for this year’s Göran Gustafsson Symposium
Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life Paulina Brandberg gave the introductory speech at this year’s Göran Gustafsson Symposium. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt.
This year’s Göran Gustafsson Symposium was a well-attended and highly appreciated event. A nearly full university auditorium listened to lectures by researchers and experts on the theme: “Violence in young people’s intimate relationships – a challenge for society.”
At exactly 13:00, the symposium was opened by Johanna Belachew, Director of the National Centre for Knowledge on Men’s Violence Against Women (NCK). By then, there were few seats left unoccupied. This year’s event was organised by NCK and Uppsala University in collaboration with the Göran Gustafsson Foundation at UU and KTH.
The symposium began with a newly produced film in which young people shared their experiences of growing up in a reality where violence in intimate relationships is becoming increasingly common. This was followed by a welcome speech from Vice-Chancellor Anders Hagfeldt, who then left the floor for the Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life, Paulina Brandberg, who gave the opening address.
Honoured and humble keynote speaker
One of the afternoon’s highlights was this year’s Göran Gustafsson lecturer, Gene Feder, Professor of Primary Care at the University of Bristol. Accompanying him was Ruth Weir, Deputy Director and Senior Researcher at the University of London.
This year’s Göran Gustafsson Lecturer, Gene Feder, says that research on violence in young people’s relationships is underrepresented and that Uppsala University and the Göran Gustafsson Foundation are worthy of praise for raising the issue. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt.
“I was incredibly honoured when I was asked to be this year’s lecturer. It felt like a great distinction, but at the same time, I was uncertain since my research had not previously focused specifically on young people,” says Gene Feder.
“If someone had asked me who should be invited, I probably would have suggested someone other than myself. That’s also where Ruth came into the picture.”
Ruth Weir is a Senior Researcher in Criminology at the Violence and Society Centre at City St George’s, University of London. Her research focuses on violence in teenage relationships.
“I have worked closely with Gene before and given lectures with him. When I heard that he had received this invitation, I jokingly said, ‘I suppose I should come along with you then.’ It turned out that many thought that was actually a good idea,” she laughs.
“Important that Uppsala dares to highlight this theme”
Violence in young people’s intimate relationships is a growing societal issue, yet it remains relatively hidden. Several speakers at this year’s symposium emphasised the problematic nature of such a widespread issue receiving so little attention. Gene Feder and Ruth Weir share this view.
“It’s a major problem that violence in young people’s relationships is not being recognised to the extent that it should,” says Ruth Weir. “At the same time, we know there is great interest in the topic – today’s full auditorium is clear evidence of that.” Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt.
“It’s a major problem that is not being recognised to the extent that it should. At the same time, we know there is great interest in the topic – today’s full auditorium is clear evidence of that. We have observed the same pattern at similar events in the UK,” says Ruth Weir.
“For me, it is difficult to understand why this has not been a more prominent issue earlier. In the UK, legislation on domestic violence has highlighted the significant deficiencies in the support system. Additionally, a few horrific cases have made it impossible to ignore the problem any longer.”
Gene Feder stresses that intimate partner violence manifests differently depending on age – something often overlooked.
“In the past 25 years, we have seen a dramatic shift in how these issues are recognised, both in society and in research. But violence in young people’s relationships remains underrepresented. There has long been an assumption that intimate partner violence is the same whether you are 14, 24, or 34 years old, but that is not true. The differences are significant, and since support services are often not tailored for young people, they become inadequate,” he explains.
He also highlights the importance of this year’s symposium addressing the theme.
“That is why it is so important that Uppsala University and the Göran Gustafsson Foundation chose to focus on this topic. It is an initiative worthy of praise.”
What are the most important measures going forward?
“As a clinician, I see the need to identify and support the most vulnerable families. We know who they are – it is no secret. But we must develop effective, evidence-based interventions for both prevention and support. If we fail to address this now, we risk doing more harm than good. That is why I see this as a research area of the highest priority,” says Feder.
Ruth Weir agrees but also emphasises the importance of working with young boys.
“I said this on stage, and I will say it again: we must work more with young boys. Previously, research has mainly focused on survivors – those who have been subjected to violence. But we also need to listen to those who are actually engaging in harmful behaviours,” she says.
Robin Widing