INTERVALES: Mental Health Support for Domestic Violence Survivors

The Maison des femmes de l’Hôtel-Dieu has implemented the INTERVALES program to integrate reinforced psychiatric and psychological care for women victims of domestic violence in France. This initiative combines mental health treatment with medico-social and judicial support to address psychiatric disorders affecting nearly half of all victims.

Domestic violence is a major public health issue in France, where hundreds of thousands of women are victims annually. According to program data, nearly one in two victims presents with addictive behaviors or psychiatric disorders.

These mental health challenges may result from the abuse itself or exist as pre-existing vulnerabilities. They often coincide with psychological mechanisms such as avoidance, ambivalence, and “emprise,” or psychological control.

Did You Know? Nearly one in two women who are victims of domestic violence in France experience psychiatric disorders or addictive behaviors.

Why is mental health critical for victims of domestic violence?

Psychological barriers can prevent victims from seeking safety. According to the program, mechanisms like emprise and avoidance can strongly hinder a woman’s capacity to engage in steps to protect herself or exit a violent environment.

Addressing these psychiatric needs is not a secondary step but a core part of the strategy to leave violence. The INTERVALES project treats mental health as a primary factor in a victim’s ability to successfully navigate the path to safety.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that integrating psychiatric care directly into the medico-social and judicial pathway removes a critical barrier. By treating the psychological “emprise” and trauma simultaneously with legal and social support, the model addresses the root causes that often lead to victims returning to abusive situations.

How does the INTERVALES program operate?

The program uses a graduated, integrated approach tailored to individual patient needs. It functions in close coordination with the multidisciplinary support already provided within the structure.

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Care begins with systematic psychiatric and addictological evaluations. This is followed by a combination of individual and collective psychotherapy.

The clinical work includes psychoeducation regarding the mechanisms of violence and control. To treat psychotrauma and achieve emotional stabilization, the program utilizes specific therapies, including EMDR.

What may happen next for this care model?

The project has already demonstrated sufficient impact and relevance to secure permanent funding. This ensures the device will remain in place for the long term.

Because the program places mental health at the center of exit strategies, it may signal a broader evolution in professional practices. This integrated model could potentially serve as a framework for other support structures seeking to combine psychiatric care with judicial and social assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of the INTERVALES program?
The program aims to integrate reinforced psychiatric and psychological care as a complement to the medico-social and judicial support provided to women victims of domestic violence.

What specific therapies are used in the program?
The program utilizes individual and collective psychotherapy, psychoeducation on the mechanisms of violence and control, and specific therapies such as EMDR for psychotrauma and emotional stabilization.

Who manages the INTERVALES project?
The program is led by the Maison des femmes de l’Hôtel-Dieu.

How should mental health services be integrated into legal and social support for victims of violence?