The Covid-19 lockdown and the psychological consequences for children exposed to domestic violence

Résumé 0

Domestic violence has a lasting effect on the psychological and physical health of children who are exposed to it. In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, the authors explore the internal psychic world of mothers and their children in a one-year longitudinal study, identifying the issues at stake in the health crisis. The methodology involved semi-directive interviews and projective tests, including the test-retest Thematic Apperception Test (tat), Children’s Apperception Test (cat) and family drawings, to assess how the children and their mother evolved within the framework of educational assistance in an open environment. Among the first results, the protocols adopted by Jeremy and his mother echoed each other, revealing the eviction of the father. Cross-exploration shows an anxiety-provoking symbiosis between mother and son, reinforced by confinement and depriving them of a family and social third party. These results indicate the need for educational and therapeutic care.