Creating spaces for children who are victims and witnesses of violence to be heard and supported

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The study seeks to explore the multi-dimensional use of space in Scotland's first Barnahus for children who are victims and witnesses of violence. The ambition of the Barnahus model is transformational change for children, young people and their families when they experience child protection and justice processes. Children and young people who have been maltreated or witnessed violence are interviewed and medically examined for forensic purposes, comprehensively assessed and receive recovery services from a multidisciplinary team of professionals comprising of police officers, social workers, paediatricians, therapists and family support practitioners 'under one roof'. The model has a focus on creating an atmosphere of ease and safety for children, without it becoming a play space (Stefansen, 2017). There is a dearth of research on the use of space for multi professional teamwork with children who are victims and witnesses of violence (ibid.). Drawing on childhood studies theoretical discourses on voice, power, agency, and space, this study will explore the child's right to express their views, experiences and wishes, and the need for these to be heard in a way which is useful for a range of purposes, including wider public protection. This will be a qualitative study undertaken with Children 1st, a national children's charity who is leading on the development of Barnahus in Scotland. This study will include, visual arts activities, ethnographic observations of the house and gardens, focus groups and semi structured interviews with key individuals who are involved in Barnahus (e.g. children, parents and carers, multidisciplinary professional team members etc). This study will draw on the academic, research and professional literature in relation to work with children who are witness to or victims of abuse and the research and design will be informed by participatory research methodology. The findings will contribute to a growing body of international evidence regarding children and families' experiences with social welfare and legal systems and influence the national development of Scotland's Barnahus model.