Bridging organisational silos to prevent violence: the process of implementing group violence intervention

Group Violence Intervention (GVI) has been implemented in Swedish welfare-state contexts to address serious violence through coordinated efforts involving police, prison and probation services, and social services. This study explores how implementation dimensions shaped the rollout of GVI in Gothenburg. Using a qualitative design, 35 semi-structured interviews were conducted with GVI-coordinators. The findings highlight legal constraints, role ambiguity, and fragmented structures as barriers, while strategic recruitment, inter-agency collaboration, and structured coordination meetings facilitated implementation. Community engagement emerged as both a challenge and a success factor, with trust and legitimacy proving pivotal. The study underscores the importance of transitioning to formalised role-based responsibilities embedded within organisations. It also emphasises the value of integrating implementation frameworks to support planning, readiness, and contextual adaptation. Despite challenges, the findings show that bridging silos through focused deterrence strategies is feasible in welfare-state settings – provided there is local ownership, legal clarity, and sustained cross-sectoral commitment.