Solveig Karin Bø Vatnar

Solveig Karin Bø Vatnar is a Professor of Psychology at the Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Care, Molde University College (HiMolde). Her research focuses on intimate partner violence (IPV), mandatory reporting obligations, domestic homicide prevention, and mental health within social care systems. She leads interdisciplinary studies exploring service provider compliance with reporting laws, victim-perpetrator dynamics, and systemic interventions to mitigate violence.

Key research areas include analyzing IPV reporting practices in Norway, assessing policy impacts on healthcare/social workers, and investigating long-term trends in homicide incidents. Vatnar collaborates with criminal justice, healthcare, and academic institutions to bridge research and practice. Her work bridges criminology, psychology, and social policy.

Her recent publications highlight systemic gaps in reporting mechanisms, gendered patterns in IPV-related homicides, and the role of childhood trauma in revictimization. She actively engages in public discourse through media commentary and policy consultations, emphasizing practical applications of her findings.

Vatnar’s articles consistently address interdisciplinary themes, with 2023-2025 studies focusing on mandatory reporting compliance, healthcare provider training efficacy, and IPV prevention strategies. Her research underscores the need for tailored interventions addressing cultural, professional, and familial contexts within violence prevention frameworks.