Mental health among women victims of violence consulting at “Maison des femmes” (Women's Home), a French center providing multidimensional care

Abstract

Abstract Context In Europe, at least one in three women experience physical and/or sexual violence in her lifetime. This gender-based violence affects the victim's physical and mental health. Women victims of violence are at risk of developing mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic dissociation. However, few recent studies have examined the prevalence of PTSD and other mental health problems among women victim of violence, making the development of research interventions to manage these symptoms challenging. Methods and implications The “Maison des Femmes” institute (MdF; Women's Home) is the only one of its kind in France. It provides care and support for women victim of violence. The multidimensional services provided at MdF consists of physical and mental health care as well as social and judicial support in a confidential and secure environment. “AVeC-L”(Accompagnement des femmes Victimes de ViolenCes à La Maison des Femmes), is an intervention research project (pilot study + comparative trial) which aims to examine and compare the mental health of adult women consulting at MdF and in two local health centers. In the currently ongoing pilot study, we measure the presence of PTSD and its intensity using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 in 80 participants. We also measure traumatic dissociative symptoms, and quality of life, and substance use. Using qualitative research, we also examine the women's perception of the effect of the care provided at MdF and at the two others local health centers. Expected results and implications The “Avec-L” pilot study will estimate the prevalence of PTSD and dissociative symptoms among women victims of violence who consult at MdF. It will also provide information on women's perception of the provided care. These results will contribute to the design of a larger intervention trial (pre and post comparison) evaluating the effect of the multidimensional support and care at MdF on women's mental health.