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Domestic violence, violence within the family—what are we talking about?

The domestic violence refers to all forms of violence that occur primarily within the context of a romantic relationship or marriage. Violence between former spouses or partners is also considered domestic violence. This violence can affect people of any age and in any type of interpersonal relationship.

We're talking about domestic violence to include acts of violence committed against children or to highlight the impact of domestic violence on children who witness it, whom the law considers to be co-victims. Incest is a form of domestic violence, as it consists of sexual abuse committed by adults who hold some form of family or parental authority over minors.

We also talk about interpersonal violence (a concept derived from Anglo-Saxon research).

This violence can take many forms, which may occur simultaneously:

• Physical violence (any act that harms a person’s physical integrity, ranging from assault and battery to femicide or infanticide).
• Verbal and/or psychological abuse (insults, humiliation, threats, blackmail, guilt-tripping, harassment, etc.).
• Cyberviolence (digital surveillance, cyberbullying, withholding passwords, etc.).
• Administrative and economic abuse (withholding administrative documents, financial dependence, sole control over the bank account, etc.).
• Sexual violence (sexual harassment, sexual assault, marital rape, incest, etc.).
• Driving one's partner or ex-partner to commit suicide is also considered a form of femicide.

The acts of violence listed above are recognized as criminal offenses, and the context of domestic or family violence, abuse of authority, and violence against minors are aggravating circumstances.

Report domestic or family violence to the UGA (Université Grenoble Alpes )

Are you a victim of or a witness to domestic or family violence at school or work? You can report it and receive a listening ear and support:

• Through the university's specialized departments.
  Access the reporting form
• By the social workers from the staff department or the CROUS.
  Contact: assistantes-sociales-personnels@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr

You may also be referred to specialized organizations in the area.