La problématisation de la violence en milieux de vie conjugal et familial: la part du secret et celle du spectacle

Taking a constructionist approach, the article presents the results of two studies (a review of the scientific and clinical literature as well as analysis of mediation as treatment) on violence within conjugal and family life. It concludes that violence which affects these milieux, as has been recognised socially after several decades in several western countries, is conceptualised in a way which is marked by the subjective views of the people concerned, especially in the scientific and clinical spheres and for mediation. This violence is no more hidden than it has been, but it is far from being perceived, defined or socially represented in an « objective » manner.