• Why did you focus the campaign on perpetrators of domestic violence?

In situations of domestic violence, it is essential to reverse the burden of guilt and responsibility for acts of violence on the true perpetrator, or to do away with the notion of joint responsibility often alleged when explaining violence perpetrated against women. Denouncing domestic violence also means not finding any excuses for the abuser, and therefore believing in the women’s words, supporting them. Abused women frequently end up having to leave the home with their children, and they find themselves caught up in the complex situation of having to look for separate housing or find shelter at relatives’ homes. All professionals (police forces, justice services, NGOs, public housing managers, etc.) need to find the right linkage to enable women to remain in the marital home, which may require evicting the violent spouse, or granting the wife the right to the residence in case of divorce.  

• Is there a standard profile for violence perpetrators?

Abused women tell the professional workers in our network’s member associations that it was complicated to speak up because, outside the home, their spouse showed a friendly, sociable disposition. Apart from a few persons exhibiting real pathological behaviours, there is no standard profile for perpetrators of domestic violence; what does exist however is an abuser’s strategy targeting the destruction of the other, control and domination within the couple. All ages and all social and economic categories are represented. Some aggravating factors may be found in some circumstances, such as alcoholism which fosters acting out, violence suffered during childhood or adolescence. Hence the importance of focussing also on children as direct victims or witnesses of such violence. Abusers often forget that their children hear all and see all.

• Which public are you hoping to reach primarily?

This campaign addresses the public at large, relatives, abused women and abusers. Abused women often live through many years of violence before speaking out; yet, the longer they wait, the more dramatic the consequences may be. In addition, fleeing from violence as early as possible can avoid falling into situations of poverty, as well as health problems... Abusers come from all backgrounds. The problem shows that there are still some people who consider that their wife doesn’t have the same rights as they do, right to independence, to freedom, or to equal treatment.

• What are the main obstacles to communication about domestic violence?

Communication campaigns get frequent coverage in the press media, and tolerance for domestic violence is fortunately declining. Still, information needs to be more broadly circulated about tools such as the nationwide telephone help line managed by FNSF, or about the community associations providing outreach support to women victims. Posting information in all possible locations is important as well, since it shows that there are people out there ready to listen.

• How does the association work every day in the benefit of the victim women?

The Solidarité Femmes network provides emergency housing for over 5,000 women and children every year in 41 housing shelters. In addition, its outreach centres host and support over 30,000 women to help them walk away from a violent spouse or get protection for a former partner. Close support is essential as the formalities are often complex, against abusers who will use every possible recourse. If abused women remain alone, then they will have a lot more difficulties carrying out all the steps necessary to really get out of violent situations.

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