Women's lived experiences of a coordinated multidisciplinary hospital-based center for survivors of violence: A qualitative phenomenological study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a support structure for women victims of violence from the perspective of the survivors themselves.

METHODS

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 women attending a Maison des Femmes (MdF), a hospital-based multiprofessional structure providing medical, psychological, social, and legal support to women victims of violence, within a model currently being scaled up nationally in France.

RESULTS

When enrolling in the MdF, participants reported seeking safety and support and expecting a therapeutic relationship tailored to their individual needs. They valued access to a wide range of professionals, coordinated by a single trusted interlocutor responsible for their care pathway. Overall, participants reported improved well-being since initiating MdF care. Experiences of group therapy were mixed: some participants described it as fostering supportive social interactions (n = 12), whereas others felt outperformed by other group members (n = 5), leading to feelings of discouragement. Frustration arose from unmet needs related to housing and income support, the slow pace of legal proceedings, and long waiting times for appointments within the structure. When considering the planned end of care, typically after 6-12 months, participants expressed uncertainty and fear of losing a vital source of support.

CONCLUSION

Although women survivors of violence reported improved well-being after joining the MdF, persistent unmet social and legal needs and anxiety surrounding the end of care were identified. These findings highlight the importance of early information and anticipatory planning regarding care duration and post-discharge support.