It is a unique place in France in the fight against sexist and sexual violence. The LAO Pow'Her reception center receives victims exclusively aged 15 to 25. With or without an appointment, these women can be received at the Bagnolet association house. This atypical structure, also reachable by telephone, is today facing financial difficulties. So much so that she launched an appeal for donations on the Internet in order to collect 55,000 euros.
The reception center has nine employees including three educators, a reception agent and a lawyer. A psychologist and a gynecologist, whose position is financed by the Department of Seine-Saint-Denis, also work there. In addition, some lawyers come to help victims free of charge. Between employees, volunteers and service providers, nearly twenty people work at LAO Pow'Her.
Victim of its “success”, the operating budget has exploded since its opening in 2019. “In 2020, our budget was 300,000 euros,” explains Amandine Maraval, the director of the premises. In 2024, it rises to 700,000 euros. » This safe place (or “safe place”) is part of the FIT association a woman, a roof, which has two other centers, one of which requires work.
“We are looking for a cash flow of 350,000 euros for this year”
LAO Pow'Her is supported by numerous public authorities including the European Union through the European Social Fund (ESF), whose financing takes place over three years. However, the ESF only reimburses the money that the center must be able to advance. “We are looking for a cash flow of 350,000 euros for this year,” explains Amandine Maraval. We will quickly need to reach 700,000 euros, or one year of operation. »
The request for funds was heard by the center's many supporters. “The departmental council has doubled our subsidy,” rejoices the director. The state has also increased our funding. » The City of Paris and the prefectures of the Île-de-France region and Seine-Saint-Denis are also among the permanent partners.
Others help the structure with material goods. “The Bagnolet town hall provides us with premises free of charge,” adds Amandine Maraval. She pays the bills and often provides us with material donations. » The center has some clothing and food for children in order to best accommodate the young victims. “Some women didn’t even take any belongings while fleeing violence,” underlines the director. We try more and more to have enough to receive them with dignity. »
More than 500 beneficiaries have opened the door of the center since its opening in 2019
To obtain the necessary funds, LAO Pow'Her now calls on foundations and associations. “If we are unable to raise the necessary budget, we will have to reduce our activities,” explains Amandine Maraval. That would be really unfortunate because we see the impact of our safe place and the number of people who need help. » The Women's Foundation is one of the private donors who responded to the appeal.
More than 500 women have been supported since the center opened in 2019. “The average age of the victims is 20 years old,” specifies the director of the site. The peak is especially around the eighteenth birthday. » Intra-family violence is present in 86% of victims taken into care. “Violence against women is a public health problem,” insists Amandine Maraval. Other similar structures must open in France. »
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At 79, bis avenue Gallieni. Reception hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday. More information on the website
https://www.associationfit.org/lao
.