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Am I a victim of domestic abuse ?

Is this section for me?

I’m not sure what I am experiencing is domestic abuse.

You may not be experiencing physical violence or you may not fit the traditional image of a “battered woman” or “battered man” but you may feel your partner doesn't respect you and is abusing you in one way or another, that you are suffering emotionally and/or physically.

I am afraid, ashamed and unsure of what to do.

These are normal reactions. It's the situation itself that isn’t normal. You don't have to accept the abuse and violence. You can get away from it. When you came to this website, you took the first step. You found the courage to look for more information.

I need someone to listen to me and to support me.

violencequefaire.ch is an interactive website. Here, you can talk about your situation and ask questions in complete safety and anonymity and experts will give you personalised advice online.

Break the silence. Don't be alone with your fear and your suffering.

What you can do

You’ve lost confidence and feel powerless. You’re scared and ashamed. You have conflicting feelings and you’re finding it difficult to take action. You feel trapped. These are the effects of abuse. Violence isn’t the answer. There are solutions to all different types of abusive situations, including yours.

Breaking the silence is an essential first step in stopping this vicious cycle. You can take this first step on our website today. You can come out of isolation and talk about the abuse you’re experiencing in complete safety and anonymity. Talking about it will help you feel better and you will receive some early support.

Breaking the silence

Counselling, support and online advice.

Breaking the silence is a necessary step towards stopping the cycle of violence. This website is designed to help you feel safe talking about your situation and help you break free from abuse. Here, you will find the counselling and support you need.

Here, you can ask questions anonymously and our domestic abuse experts will get back to you with personalised advice. They have experience in these matters and understand the complexity of your situation. You will receive expert advice tailored to your specific situation – the help you need from caring professionals.

Take a break

If you’re a victim of domestic abuse, it’s difficult to see the situation clearly without stepping back from it, even if it’s just for a short period of time. Giving yourself some space allows you to reconnect with yourself, regain your confidence and review the situation with a clearer perspective.

Catch your breath

If you can't stand the abuse any longer, feel trapped or don't know what to do, consider taking a break. Even a temporary break can be beneficial. When you’re away from the abuse, you can reconnect with yourself and better understand the destructive spiral you're in. You can identify your needs and the ways in which you can protect yourself. You can then choose a course of action you feel is best for you: either to continue living with your partner or to separate from them. If you decide to stay in the relationship, you will be better able to define your boundaries because you have more confidence in your own abilities. You will feel that you have the strength to make the right decisions for you.

You have the right to leave

If you are living with an abuser, you have the right to leave. You can leave at any time, either for a few days or permanently. You don’t have to tell the police or get legal permission. When you leave, you do not lose any rights to your home, property or children.

If you have children, you can take them with you for protection; leaving them at home could be used against you. If you have to leave alone, you have the option of applying quickly to a judge for a decision on custody. You are advised to contact the court or a lawyer as soon as possible. Until a court decision on custody is made, both parents have the same rights and obligations towards their children.

Where can I go?

Most cantons have women’s shelters for victims of domestic abuse and their children. Here you can find a safe, confidential environment, alongside expert advice and support for taking legal action, if you wish to do so.

If your safety is not at risk, you can stay with relatives or in a hotel, if you can afford it. In this case, you should contact one of the specialist support services in your area as getting external advice and support will help you to see your situation more clearly.
If you’re uncertain about your accommodation options, you should contact your nearest LAVI centre (Law on Assistance to Victims of Crime), as they will help you find accommodation, even if you don't have money or a residence permit (at least temporarily if you don't have one).

It's important to be vigilant

We know from experience that periods of separation can be particularly dangerous. The abuser is finally confronted with the situation they feared most – you leaving. This means that the risk of violence is very high.

For your own safety:
• Make sure your partner doesn't know your plans. Don’t tell them you are leaving. Don’t tell your children or family either if there is any risk that they might tell your partner;
• Prepare to leave;
• Leave when the abuser is not at home;
• Do not leave the address of where you will be staying;
• Avoid being alone in dark or unfrequented places;
• If you are subjected to violence after you have left, don't be discouraged. You can still do something about it.

Staying in the relationship

You may not think it’s possible to leave for a variety of reasons: your feelings for your partner, the hope that they will change, the desire to protect your family, lack of money, and other equally valid reasons.


If you can’t bear the violence but want to stay because you think things will get better, read the below:

Don't face it alone

It’s very difficult to break the cycle of violence without outside support. Your partner needs help to stop resorting to violence and it's important that you get the right advice and support too.

This website gives you the opportunity to talk about your situation with people who specialise in domestic abuse. Your partner can do the same and find useful information in the section of the website dedicated to those who are abusive. You and your partner can also get personal counselling from specialist support services in your area (see list of useful addresses in the “How to find help” section of this website). Breaking the silence and the isolation are important steps towards ending the cycle of violence.

Ask for help

This website gives you the opportunity to talk about your situation with people who specialise in domestic abuse. Your partner can do the same and find useful information in the section of the website dedicated to those who are abusive. You and your partner can also get personal counselling from specialist support services in your area (see list of useful addresses in the “How to find help” section of this website). Breaking the silence and the isolation are important steps towards ending the cycle of violence.

Couples therapy

Some centres offer couples counselling with a focus on domestic abuse. Their goal is to talk about the violence and try stop it permanently. Counselling usually only ends when the abuse does. However, if the abuse continues, it’s usually necessary to provide counselling for each partner individually.

If the violence stops, couples therapy or mediation may also be considered. However, any further threats or aggression should lead you to stop the process, as you will no longer be able to express yourself freely or make your point because you’ll be under the influence of fear.

Find a list of useful contacts in the "How to find help" section of this website.

Your rights

Domestic abuse is against the law and most acts of domestic abuse are punishable under criminal law. The law protects everyone’s physical, mental and sexual integrity.


Find out more about the law.

Requesting personal protection measures

In the case of domestic abuse, threats or harassment, you can apply to the civil court in your area to have your (ex) partner restrained from approaching you or your home; from visiting certain places; or from contacting you, including by telephone, in writing or by e-mail. If you live with your partner, you can also apply to have them evicted for a certain period of time.

Immediate eviction of the perpetrator of the violence

In the event of a crisis, the police can immediately evict your partner from your home.

Leaving the home

If your partner is abusive, you have the right to leave. You can leave the home at any time, for a few days or permanently, with your children if necessary. Swiss law allows victims to refuse to live with their partner if their personal safety, material security or the well-being of their family is seriously threatened. That said, the situation will have to be clarified at a later stage, particularly regarding custody and visitation rights for the children.

Applying for marital protective measures (“mesures protectrices de l'union conjugale”)

You can apply to the civil court for arrangements concerning your marriage, whether or not you continue to live together. These are known as marital protective measures and are only available to married couples. They cover things such as financial contributions, the allocation of housing, and the custody of children. The purpose of these measures is to help overcome difficulties in the marriage and they can be used to legally regulate all aspects of a temporary or permanent separation.

Filing a complaint

Domestic abuse is not a specific crime, but the Swiss Criminal Code prohibits most acts of abuse, whether the couple is married, in a registered partnership, or in a common-law relationship. If you want the abuse to be prosecuted, you can file a complaint against your partner by reporting it to the police or the public prosecutor. However, the rules of criminal procedure require the violence to be proven before a court can impose a sentence.

Reporting violence
With a few exceptions, the law provides that abuse committed within a relationship is automatically prosecuted, even if committed within a year of separation. This means that the perpetrator can be prosecuted without you having to file a complaint. You, or a third party such as friends, family, or colleagues, can report the situation to the police so they can intervene. A police report will be sent to the public prosecutor to start an investigation. This relieves the victim of the burden of filing a complaint.

Filing a complaint
You can file a complaint against your partner. In the case of acts that are only prosecuted on the basis of a complaint, this must be done within three months of the incident. Filing a complaint has the advantage of making you a party to the proceedings, which gives you certain rights, such as: access to your case file and the ability to monitor its progress; to present witnesses; to add documents to the file; to claim financial compensation from the abuser; and to appeal against decisions and rulings. Consult your LAVI centre or a lawyer to assess your chances of success.

Keeping evidence
Keep any and all evidence of the abuse you have suffered at the hands of your partner. Text messages, letters of apology, photographs, torn or stained clothing can all be useful in supporting your complaint. In the case of physical violence, see your doctor and ask for a medical report. You can also make a note of the different episodes of violence so that you don't forget anything when you decide to inform the authorities.

Stopping the criminal proceedings
For as long as no ruling has been made, you have the right to withdraw your complaint. In the case of offences that are automatically prosecuted, you have the right to request that the proceedings be suspended. You then have the right to reactivate the proceedings, if necessary, within six months of the suspension. However, depending on the seriousness of the offence, the judge may refuse to suspend the proceedings. The judge cannot suspend the proceedings without your consent.

Legal and court fees
In criminal proceedings it is advisable to be represented by a lawyer. You may be eligible for legal aid if you cannot afford the costs. This assistance will be requested directly by the lawyer you choose. Legal aid is reimbursable under certain conditions and your lawyer will explain these conditions to you.

The LAVI centre can help you
To help you make a decision about criminal proceedings, the LAVI centre of your choice can provide you with all the information you need in complete confidentiality. They can help you write your complaint, accompany you to the police, give you the names of specialised lawyers, organise an initial consultation, provide information on legal aid and the rights of crime victims, and other essential support. All these services are free. If you contact the LAVI centre, the first steps taken by your lawyer can also be paid for.

When the time comes to report the abuse to the authorities, many questions may arise. It is important to be as prepared as possible.

Receiving LAVI Victim Support

Victims of psychological, physical or sexual abuse in a relationship can get special help under the Law on Assistance to Victims of Crime (LAVI). Every canton has a LAVI centre that offers legal and psychosocial support, financial assistance, and help with administrative and legal formalities. Consultations are free of charge and confidential. You can contact the LAVI centre of your choice.

LAVI centres offer some financial support to victims of violence. The financial assistance provided takes into account your need for immediate assistance as well as your ability to pay for longer-term assistance. The services provided include:
• the cost of emergency accommodation, five psychotherapy sessions, a legal consultation, changing locks, etc.
• reimbursement of a medical report or even medical treatment.
• urgent financial assistance.
In addition, under certain conditions, LAVI can provide financial compensation or compensation for moral damage to victims. LAVI's services are also available to foreigners if the crime was committed in Switzerland.

Criminal proceedings: what to expect and how to prepare

Most acts of domestic abuse are criminal offences. It is therefore possible to report any abuse to the authorities. This section helps you prepare for these steps.

Ambivalence

If you are considering filing a report, you may have some doubts. It is difficult to think about reporting your (ex) partner – they are someone you love, or have loved, and they are not just abusive. It's important to remember that even if there was - or is - love between you, violence is not acceptable and cannot be justified in any circumstances. It can be very helpful to get support that helps you make sense of your feelings, especially if they are conflicting – alternating between anger and fear, doubt and hope. An abusive relationship is not a sign of true love.

You have certain rights: seeking help, finding refuge and filing a complaint are among them.

Managing your expectations

If you decide to file a complaint, you are likely to have certain expectations of the legal process, which is normal. These expectations may include:
• putting an end to the violence
• no longer feeling afraid
• protecting your children
• punishing the abuser

Although it may seem unfair, you need to be prepared - this process will not solve all your problems and may not be what you expected. The legal process follows specific rules and doesn’t always meet the needs of victims. Even if a complaint is made and the authorities take action, the abuser may continue to bother you (harassment, stalking). In some cases, the public prosecutor or the court may not be able to punish the abuser if there is insufficient evidence of violence.

Keep all evidence of abuse

It is important to collect and keep as much evidence of the abuse as possible. This includes clothes, sheets, photos of bruises and other injuries. If you file a complaint, these traces of abuse will be evidence to support your statements. You can go to your doctor, a hospital emergency room or a forensic clinic to get a medical report. It is also important to date this evidence.

The two ways to file a complaint / denunciation

A report must be made to the police or the public prosecutor (“ministère public”), either in writing or in person. You can either go to a police station to make a statement or send a letter to the public prosecutor. You can get help in writing the letter from a LAVI centre, a legal expert or a lawyer.

Who can accompany you?

You can be accompanied by anyone you choose. However, you should be aware that the first person you tell becomes a potential witness in your case. It is preferable that this person is not present when the complaint is filed, as their testimony, if required, would lose its value. It is therefore important to distinguish between potential witnesses and trusted confidants. The professional teams at any LAVI centre can help you with this process.

How do I file a complaint or make a report to the police?

The role of the police officers who receive your complaint is to establish the facts, without providing any psychological or emotional support. Their questions may seem unsympathetic or even embarrassing, but their factual approach is in no way personal. Their job is to gather as much information as possible, to help you describe what happened and then to pass on your statements, and those of the offender who will also be heard, and those of any witnesses, together with their observations, to the public prosecutor.

What happens at the public prosecutor's (“ministère public”) hearing?

The hearing takes place in a room at the public prosecutor's office in the presence of a public prosecutor, a court clerk, the perpetrator's lawyer, yourself, your lawyer and/or someone accompanying you, where applicable. You can request to not to be confronted with the perpetrator and this request will be granted depending on the circumstances – this is likely to be granted in cases of sexual abuse. In such cases, you can also ask to be interviewed by a person of the same sex. For this hearing, the prosecutor will ask you to explain the facts again in order to complete their investigation. Their role is to investigate 'for and against', which means looking for evidence to support what you have said, as well as evidence from the person who has abused you. Their demeanour may seem cold and lacking in compassion, but it is part of their role to remain neutral.

What decisions can the public prosecutor take?

To dismiss the case (“la non-entrée en matière”): When the complaint or police report is received and if the public prosecutor decides the reported facts or the police reports do not contain any elements that would constitute a crime, they may decide to dismiss the case.

To close the case (“l’ordonnance de classement”): When the facts are disputed and there is insufficient evidence of the abuse, the public prosecutor may decide to close the case.

To sentence (“l’ordonnance pénale”): At the end of the investigation, if the facts are sufficiently established, the public prosecutor can sentence the accused person. The sentence could be either a fine, a 180-day monetary penalty, community service of up to 720 hours or a prison sentence of up to six months. The convicted person can choose to appeal against the criminal order. The case would then be heard in court, and the sentence could be adjusted.

To refer the case to the relevant court (“Le renvoi devant un tribunal competent”): If the expected sentence exceeds the powers of the public prosecutor's office, it will refer the perpetrator directly to a court.

What happens after the hearing?

How should the public prosecutor's decisions be interpreted?

Criminal proceedings are conducted by the state against a person who has certain rights, including the right to be presumed innocent. This means that the perpetrator will only be convicted if the criminal authorities are convinced that the abuse has taken place. If there is insufficient evidence, the perpetrator will not be convicted. In other words, a decision not to prosecute, a dismissal or an acquittal is not a decision AGAINST the victim.

The victim has the right to appeal these decisions, as well as any sums awarded as compensation in criminal proceedings. However, the victim cannot challenge the nature or duration of the sentence imposed on the offender or the granting of a suspended sentence. The right to impose sanctions rests with the State, which adapts the sanction to the offender's personal circumstances with a view to reform and rehabilitation.

How to deal with your doubts?

You may be asking yourself questions such as:
• Did I do the right thing by filing a complaint?
• Should I have done things differently?
You may feel disappointed by the outcome of the legal process. The fact that you were not able to call witnesses or gather hard evidence doesn’t mean the authorities think that the events did not happen or that you exaggerated.

If you feel a sense of injustice, it's important to talk about it and not shut down. There are sometimes other routes to get recognition of the abuse you’ve suffered, such as working with therapists.

Consequences of legal action for the victim

Reporting the abuse gives the victim the opportunity to be heard, to have their suffering recognised, to feel stronger, to stop being afraid and, in the best case, to put an end to the violence.

However, going to court can be a difficult process, with certain aspects that are hard to deal with. People close to the victim may not understand their decision to go to court and may withdraw. Some victims don't feel heard or believed. Some feel exhausted by the process and feel that they have wasted time and energy if the outcome isn’t what they expected, especially if the abuse continues despite the legal process.

Protecting yourself from your ex-partner

In certain situations, even though you are already separated or divorced, your ex-partner continues to interfere with your life by harassing or assaulting you. You may receive constant phone calls, text messages, emails or letters from them. Perhaps they insult or threaten you. Perhaps they come to your home and bang on your door, damage your property (car, house, etc.), follow you, watch you and spread rumours about you.


Their behaviour is exhausting and frightening.

There are several solutions

In an emergency, don't hesitate to call the police. A criminal complaint, or even a series of complaints, can be grounds for a criminal conviction. In the case of harassment, threats or violence, you can also apply to the civil courts for protection and restraining orders. This makes it easier for the police to intervene if the perpetrator acts out. To get these measures, you will need evidence of the abuse, threats or harassment. It is a good idea to seek advice from your LAVI centre or a lawyer.

You should also contact the relevant medical authorities as soon as possible so that you can get appropriate treatment and a medical report. This will give more weight to your complaint. Also remember to keep any evidence of the abuse and harassment (text messages, witnesses, etc.).

For support, useful information and assistance with these procedures, you can contact the LAVI centre in your canton.

Be vigilant

Experience shows that the period after separation is particularly dangerous. Always take any threats seriously. There is also a significant risk of homicide.
• Follow our practical advice (below) to improve your safety.
• Contact your local women’s shelter or the LAVI centre in your canton. You can draw up a protection plan with the help of domestic abuse specialists. Don't hesitate to go to a shelter at the first sign of abuse.

What if the abuse continues?

It can be discouraging if the abuse continues or takes on other forms despite the filing of a complaint, a conviction, a restraining order or eviction from the home. However, it is still possible to find ways to increase your safety and well-being. Take action to protect yourself!

Reporting multiple incidents

It may take several complaints for a procedure to result in a disciplinary decision. It is therefore important to keep as much evidence as possible and to record, date and report each new offence. These elements will weigh even more heavily in a case where there have been multiple offences. Repeated offences indicate the perpetrator's propensity to repeat offences and abuse.

What if your ex-partner does not pay child support?

Contact the child support collection service. They may be able to advance you the money and collect it from your ex-partner. You should inform the service as soon as the child support has not been paid as benefits are not retroactive.

Working with a therapist

Although you have no control over the criminal proceedings or your abuser, you do have control over yourself. That's why we recommend therapy to help you feel safe and get moral support. You can take steps to protect yourself and change your reactions and reduce the impact of the abuse. It’s a process that takes time, so don't be discouraged if you don't see changes right away.

Practical advice

Preparing to leave

If you decide to leave home, remember to pack:
• Your personal belongings
• Your children's belongings, where applicable (clothes, favourite toys, school books, etc.)
• Money, bank cards and personal valuables
• Keys to your home and car
As many important documents as possible:
• Identity documents
• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificate
• Family booklet (“livret de famille”)
• Residence permits
• AVS card
• Insurance policies (health and other)
• Rental contract
• Employment contract
• Salary slips
• Bank statements
• Any other document that could be useful in determining your financial situation as a couple: documents showing your regular expenses, tax statements, debt statements, property and inheritance documents, etc.
• Driver’s licence
• Children's vaccination records
• School reports
• Work certificates, diplomas
• Medical reports attesting to the abuse you suffered
• Any court decisions
• Photos, objects of sentimental value

Have an emergency plan in place

Facing the danger

If you feel that a violent episode is brewing, it’s important to think about how you can protect yourself, who you can call on and where you can take refuge.

Be prepared to deal with a dangerous situation. There are ways to reduce the risks and increase your safety and itis essential you take steps to protect yourself and, if applicable, your children.

How to protect yourself
• Put emergency numbers in an easily accessible place: police 117, ambulance 144, fire service 118.
• Keep the addresses of organisations that can help you such as local women’s shelters, LAVI centres, and others.
• Talk to a neighbour. Ask them to look after your children and to contact the police in case of violence.
• Identify people you trust such as close friends and family or professionals, who can help you in an emergency.
• Consider how you can ensure your safety in a room in your home (lock, bolt, etc.).
• Agree on a communication code with someone close to you who could alert the police in case of any kind of abuse (e.g. let the phone ring twice, send an empty text message, etc.).
• Pack a bag with personal belongings for you and your children, important documents, money and a spare car key so that you can leave quickly in an emergency. Keep it in a safe place.
• Teach your children what to do in the event of a violent incident: for example, to seek shelter with neighbours and ask them to call for help.
• Find out where any firearms or knives are kept. Make it difficult to get to them.
• Call the police on 117 at the first sign of violence. Don't wait until the situation gets worse. Threats or intimidation are just as serious.
• Leave as soon as you feel tension building up. Trust your instincts. Be aware of the warning signs of an outbreak of violence. For example, your throat or stomach is knotted up, you feel a tightness in your chest, your palms are sweaty or your heart is pounding; and/or if your partner becomes flushed or agitated, raises their voice, or threatens you. If these signs appear, immediately think of a reason to go out, e.g. to a doctor's appointment, fetch the children, take the rubbish out, do the laundry.
• Take refuge with a neighbour, relative or in a public place.
• Go to your local women’s shelter and seek protection. This will give you a chance to catch your breath and assess your situation.
• In the event of an incident of abuse, consult a doctor so that you can get the necessary treatment and have a medical report drawn up.
• In the event of abuse, you have the right to leave the home with your children at any time.
• If you leave the house and your children are not at home, make sure they are safe until someone can collect them.
• If you have to leave in a hurry and cannot take your belongings, you can ask the police to accompany you to collect them at a later point.

Medical report

If you have just been assaulted, see a doctor as soon as possible. This way, you can get appropriate treatment and a medical report.

Ask for a detailed report
The doctor will need to describe all the marks and injuries left by the physical or sexual abuse and/or any psychological abuse suffered such as insults, threats, or confinement, as well as any psychological consequences such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or insomnia.

Important evidence to keep
The medical report proves that you have been a victim of abuse. It can be useful if you decide to file a complaint or leave the person who abused you. As a precaution, keep it somewhere other than your home. Leave it with family, friends or your doctor.

File a report every time you are attacked
We recommend that you have each incident recorded, preferably on the day it happens. If this is not possible, you can still make a report as long as you still have marks on your body. If your health or accident insurance does not reimburse you for the report, you can ask the LAVI centre to pay for it.

Take photos
If you have marks or bruises, photos are also useful. If you don't want to go to a doctor for treatment and a report, don't hesitate to take the photos yourself or ask someone you trust to help you in areas you can't reach such as your back or head, etc.

Documentation

For you to watch

- "Sans frapper", documentaire de Alex Poukine, 2019
- "Jusqu'à la garde", Film de Alexandre Legrand, 2017
- "Darling", Film de Christine Carrière, 2007
- "Prendre femme", Film de Ronit et Shlomi Elkabetz, 2004
- "Te doy mis ojos (Ne dis rien)" Film d'Iciar Bollain, 2003
- "The Waitress", Film d'Adrienne Shelly, 2007

For you to read

- Binoix, M., Battue, Ed. J'ai lu, 2006.
- Bissiau, J., J'aime le diable, Ed. K&B, 2009.
- Christen M. & al., Vivre sans violence? Dans les couples, les institutions, les écoles, Ed. Erès, 2004.
- Doyle, R., La femme qui se cognait dans les portes, Ed. Robert Laffont / Pavillons poche, 2008.
- Hirigoyen, M.-F., Le harcèlement moral, la violence perverse au quotidien, Ed. Syros, 1998.
- Hirigoyen, M.-F., Femmes sous emprise, Oh! Editions, 2005.
- Leigh, J., Ailleurs, Ed. Christian Bourgois, 2008.
- Lucas, A. & Atwood, J. E., A contre-coups (récits et photos), Ed. Xavier Barral, 2006.
- Nazare-Aga, I., Les manipulateurs et l'amour, Ed. de l'Homme, 2000.
- Penfold, R. B., Dans les sables mouvants - Une histoire de violence conjugale, Ed. ça et là, 2007.
- Romito, P., Un silence de mortes. La violence masculine occultée., Ed. Syllepse, 2006
- Zebrinska, N., La guerre secrète, vaincre la violence conjugale, Ed. L'Harmattan, 2003.

Children and domestic abuse

Lectures pour les professionnel-le-x-s

- Cortellini B., Lanfranchi A., Rod E., L'invisible éléphant ou les enfants dans la violence conjugale, Ed. Solidarité Femmes Genève, 1997
- Seron C., Violence subie, violence agie, Ed. Erès, Jeunesse et droit, 2000
- Vanotti M.(dir.), Le silence comme un cri à l'envers, Ed. Médecine et Hygiène, 1992

Lectures pour les adultes

- Association Dis No. De la maltraitance psychologique à la bien traitance. Comment se situer?, Ed. Dis No, Lausanne, 2007
- Bretonnière-Fraysse A.,De la violence conjugale à la violence parentale, Ed. Erès, 2001
- Bourcet S., Gravillon I.,Mon enfant a été agressé, Ed. Albin Michel, 2004
- Côté, I., Dallaire, L.-F., & Vézina, J.-F., Tempête dans la famille. Les enfants et la violence conjugale., Ed. Hôpital Sainte-Justine, 2005.
- Cyrulnik B.,Un merveilleux malheur, Ed. Odile Jacob, 2002
- Cyrulnik B.,Les nourritures affectives, Ed. Odile Jacob, 1993
- Cyrulnik B.,Sous le signe du lien, Ed. Odile Jacob, 2002
- Miller A., C'est pour ton bien. Racines de la violence dans l'éducation de l'enfant , Aubier, Paris, 1983
- Miller A., L'enfant sous terreur. L'ignorance de l'adulte et son prix, Aubier, Paris, 1986

Lectures pour les enfants / adolescent-e-x-s

- Girardet, S., & Puig, R.,Silence la violence, Hatier, 1999
- Lamblin, Ch., Faller, R. & Roederer, Ch., Les parents de Samira se séparent, Nathan, 2001 (3 à 6 ans)
- Mes Parents se séparent, Ed. Pro Juventute Tome 1 (dès 10 ans)
- Mon cahier bleu, Ed. La Joie de Lire, Genève 2003
- St Mars, D., & Bloch, S., Les parents de Max et Lili se disputent, Calligram Ainsi va la vie, 1995
- St Mars D., & Bloch, S., Le petit livre pour dire non à la violence, Ed. Astrapi, 1998
- St Mars D., & Bloch, S., Le petit livre pour dire non à la maltraitance, Ed. Astrapi, 1998
- St Mars D., & Bloch, S., Max se bagarre, Ainsi va la vie. Calligram, 1997
- St Mars, D., & Bloch, S., Jeremy est maltraité, Calligram 1997
- Wormser H., Wigger W., & Schnyder N. (Office fédéral des assurances sociales. Fondation enfants et violence et al.), Julie n'est pas seule ou comment la LAVI peut aider les enfants à faire valoir leurs droits, 2001 (adolescents)