From Psychologies · Louise Leboyer · · 1m
Myriam Mimouni: Doctors Don't Teach Women to Be Heard
French gynecologists open women's shelter after realizing medical training ignores violence against women
In brief
French gynecologists open women's shelter after realizing medical training ignores violence against women Medical education fails to teach doctors how to listen to women's experiences of violence Originally reported by Psychologies.
Violence Against Women in France
Over 100 women die annually from partners or ex-partners in France. More than 376,000 women experience physical, verbal, or sexual violence in relationships each year.
Doctors Don't Teach Violence Prevention
Myriam Mimouni says medical students never learn about violence against women. Doctors focus on surgery and illnesses, not listening to patients.
“Quand on est étudiant en médecine, on ne nous en parle pas du tout des violences faites aux femmes”
Women's Shelters in France
France has 31 women's shelters since 2016, with the first opening in Saint-Denis in 2016.
Boulogne-Billancourt Shelter
Myriam Mimouni and Nathalie Douay-Hauser founded the Boulogne-Billancourt shelter in 2026 after noticing similar patterns in patient experiences.
Multidisciplinary Support
The shelter includes psychologists, lawyers, pediatricians, midwives, and psychiatrists to support women and children.
Team Building
The team holds daily meals and training sessions to ensure staff can handle trauma without becoming victims themselves.
What matters most
Medical education fails to teach doctors how to listen to women's experiences of violence
