The Léa association, which is part of the national Solidarité femmes network, has now been in existence for 14 years.
This network of 78 associations, including four in Essonne, supports women who are victims of domestic violence.
But for its director and founder, Patricia Rouff, "there were still several shortcomings in meeting the needs of victims, especially in emergencies".
Needs now met thanks to the opening of the very first Maison Solidarité Femmes 91 (MSF) in Montgeron, the address of which we will not give for security reasons.
This vast residence, carefully renovated to provide a peaceful and pleasant setting, has the capacity to accommodate women, but also their children, who find themselves on the street overnight to flee a violent spouse.
Six sleeping places are provided for 24 hours, before, if necessary, being redirected to other more permanent accommodation.
“Housing which can, if necessary because the gentleman is very dangerous, be at the other end of France”, specifies Patricia Rouff.
In addition to the bedrooms, the house is equipped with a fitted kitchen, a bathroom, games for children and includes many hotlines, all in a space secured by alarms, panic buttons, on-site staff and the proximity of the police.
“Listening, reception and security conditions are very important, rather than an unsecured and unsanitary hotel.
Otherwise, the victims return home, notes Patricia Rouff.
There they stay.
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Victims can join the association seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (at 06.50.179.179).
“Most of the time, they are sent to us by the gendarmerie, the police, social workers, elected officials, neighbors or families.
If necessary, we can pick them up, especially when they are isolated in rural areas,” insists Patricia Rouff.
Health professionals, lawyers, social services on site
In addition to its emergency reception capacity, this place also allows these women to see health professionals, a lawyer or jurist, social services... and soon, the association hopes, police officers and gendarmes who will be able to benefit from an office to hear victims and take their complaints.
“This place is open to all partners to guide victims,” notes the director.
Apart from emergencies, it is possible to come without an appointment from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Appointments can be made outside of these hours.
“Women who are in difficulty can come here to get information, get advice, take the time to reflect,” advises Patricia Rouff.
In 2021, the association took care of 900 children and 700 women.
And in one month, Maison Solidarité Femmes has already seen around fifty people pass.
The latter was partly financed by the Île-de-France region, the CAF, but also thanks to donations from private patrons.
The godmother of this first MSF is none other than Cindy Bruna, a model muse for L'Oréal, Balmain... who published in 2022 her autobiographical book "The day I stopped being afraid".
She denounces the domestic and intra-family violence of which she has been the victim.
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A second MSF is to be inaugurated on November 25 in Charenton (Val-de-Marne).
And next month, the Longjumeau hospital will have a medical reception center, as already exists in Saint-Denis (Seine-Saint-Denis).