This appears to be an either/or problem. Either the plants are receiving too nuch light and the leaves are reaching up to protect the crown. Direct afternoon sun is too strong for violets. Or the light isnt strong enough on the crown itself and the leaves are searching for it. In most cases, lack of light is the culprit especially if the plants dont bloom. You might try moving them under a lamp so the light is overhead and hits the crowns directly.

Violets grow best in bright indirect light. Eastern exposures are preferred, but others will work with some modifications. Northern exposures will provide plenty of light in the summers, but you may need to supplement with some artificial light in the winters. Southern or western exposures are often too bright unless you have shade trees or a sheer curtain or blinds angled upward. Artificial light such as LED or fluorescent will give the most consistent results as it can be set with an automatic timer.

thanks for the information, I will change things up.