On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 25 November, reports, analyzes and testimonies. A folder carried out in partnership with Crédit Mutuel.
For its first movement, in 2021, volunteers from A voice for them brought light boxes. A woman and her son, victims of domestic and family violence, leave their apartment alone “clothes and steamers”. Memories live in some suitcases. “We are ready on the missing link in victim support, explained the founder and general delegate of the association, Loëtitia Mas. We have to help them get their personal belongings back, to prevent them from losing everything or having to go back.”
To remove administrative, economic and logistical barriers, the Riviera organization helps women close the door to violence in everyday life. And settled in a new house. The vote for them has just passed its 900th step. On average, it takes seven round trips before leaving home forever. “While taking the bags for the children, the father said goodbye and the lady remained at home, tells Loëtitia Mas. Or women who are hosted are forced to return home because they have nothing to change or feed their babies.”
Once discharged, women are looked after by reception structures or associations. It is the latter who calls out their voices. “To know where we are going, shows its founder, we find out. Whether the man is known to the police, so is the woman serious danger callIs there pressure from the in-laws?”
Assistance from the police is “very often” requested. Then comes the classic process of moving with big hands to carry and a truck at the door, the hassle of stairs and boxes finally being torn apart. “We changed our place in life. Emotionally, it was difficult, admitted Loëtitia Mas. Women generally think that their property is lost. But it’s theirs. We prevent them from becoming more dangerous.” And economic and administrative difficulties are compounded by physical and psychological violence.
Some victims may not be able to store all their personal belongings due to lack of space while they shelter in emergency shelters. The sound for them then has a building of 880 m2 spread across Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur to store goods. Every month, around thirty women benefit from this service. The association also recently opened a small resource center. You can select missing furniture to increase the comfort of the new cocoon.
Supported by the Women’s Foundation, A Voice for Women is run with seven employees and a budget of 420,000 euros. By the end of the year, it will cover six departments in the Paca region. The association is in the implementation phase: it spreads through other associations by sharing its experience, its protocols and its partners in packaging, equipment or storage. Votes for those continuing to take initial action: sending emergency equipment. Last year, 2,500 boxes of food, clothing and hygiene were distributed to families – almost 85% of women supported the escape of their abusive partners with their children.
