Domestic violence: how emeis supports its employees and managers

According to the UN, nearly one in three women will experience violence during her lifetime⁽¹⁾. A figure that serves as a reminder that these situations occur across all social and professional backgrounds. Yet domestic violence remains difficult to detect in the workplace. Because it is rarely spoken about directly. Because it often develops gradually. And because the victims themselves sometimes struggle to put into words what they are going through.

“Violence doesn’t necessarily start with physical blows. We used to think it had to be visible,” explains Marion Corda, a social worker at Responsage, a support and assistance service within the emeis&Me social and solidarity programme. In reality, violence can be physical, psychological, economic, sexual or administrative. It sometimes takes the form of humiliation, financial control, isolation or guilt-tripping. “We are often faced with an overall dynamic of control and domination that gradually takes hold,” emphasises the social worker. This mechanism of control explains why victims often remain silent. Little by little, self-confidence crumbles and the ability to ask for help diminishes. “The hardest part is often that first step,” Marion Corda points out. “It’s realising that there might be a problem and taking action.”

Beyond the programme itself, managers’ vigilance and attentiveness are key. Violence is rarely expressed directly; it often manifests itself through subtle signs: chronic fatigue, anxiety, a general sense of unease or repeated absences. 

The aim is not to turn managers into specialists, but to equip them with the right approach: listening without judging, not downplaying the issue, and directing the person to the appropriate support. Certain phrases can help create a space for open discussion, such as: “I believe you”, “It’s not your fault”, “The law prohibits and punishes violence”.

Conversely, statements such as “Why do you put up with this? Why didn’t you leave?” should be avoided. “Simply be there. Listen. Be as supportive as possible,” sums up Marion Corda.