Our colleagues at RTL enquired about domestic violence and how to get support through 'Femmes en détresse'.

There are a number of reasons why it is difficult to draw a definitive end line in such a relationship. Victims often need professional support not only before the separation, but also afterwards; after all, such a violent relationship leaves traces.

In the case of trauma, it is precisely those affected who need help to cope with it. Monique Lucas, in charge of the helpline of the Femmes en Détresse organisation 'Visavi' explains that others need support to rebuild their lives. Whether that is emotional, financial, or legal, in the case of children, for example.

It happens again and again that victims return to the perpetrators. On the one hand, there are feelings involved, one has built a life with the other person, perhaps they have children together, or friends and family encourage them to give the relationship another chance. Existential fears or fear of the future also play a major role.

Often, the perpetrator asks for another chance and promises to better themselves. What adds onto this is that many abusive relations see a decrease in social activity around them, so it becomes difficult to find immediate and definitive independence from the partner.

In the case of physical violence, there is the possibility that the law on expulsion can be applied. This law has been in place here in Luxembourg since 2003. Monique Lucas explains that if the police concludes there has been a case of physical abuse, they report it to the judiciary and request expulsion. This means the keys to the home have to be handed it and the perpetrator's access is removed for a duration of 14 days so the victim can decide their next steps without any further pressure.

If an expulsion has been made, the service 'Aide aux Victimes' contacts the concerned people automatically and offers support during and after the separation.

Read part one and two of this series as well: Luxembourg NGO highlights domestic violence warning signs & NGO discusses ways of escaping the downward spiral

RTL

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