L’emprise psychologique dans les violences conjugales

Psychological domination is the reduction of the other person to the status of an object, the annihilation of their subjectivity by denying their needs and desires in favor of the dominator's own. It involves appropriating, dispossessing and dominating the other person. When it occurs within a couple, it takes the form of significant psychological violence, sometimes supplemented by physical and sexual violence which creates a strong dependency and affects the victim's self-esteem. Psychological control is therefore a major issue in the fight against domestic violence which healthcare, legal and social professionals must address. This complex concept can be explained by various criminological and victimological mechanisms. Certain characteristics of psychological functioning, psychological disorders and personality traits constitute risk factors that enable exercising such control or becoming a victim. The quality of the relationship with attachment figures, self-image, access to mentalization, and the relationship with emotions are all factors representing both the etiology and avenues of psychological care for victims and perpetrators of control. In this article, we propose clear and concrete guidelines for understanding the profile of both victims and perpetrators of psychological domination so that we can adapt our perspectives and treatment as accurately as possible. Our goal is to offer our patients the prospect of a healthy relationship with others, and the possibility for victims to break free from this destructive cycle. All of us – caregivers, social workers, and legal professionals – can work in synergy and collaboration to help victims rebuild their lives and prevent perpetrators from repeating their offenses.