This is one of the most complex factors in the issue of combating domestic violence: the housing problem. To help the victims and provide fast and appropriate assistance, the Villejuif City Hall has announced the upcoming opening of 8 "relay housing" units, open to anyone who wishes.
Contre les violences faites aux femmes, la Municipalité s’engage avec un promoteur et une association spécialisée et le Département du Val-de-Marne, pour proposer des logement-relais à des femmes victimes de violences conjugales et leurs enfants : https://t.co/SpTnX8DJ0R
— Ville de Villejuif (@VilleVillejuif) December 4, 2023
A major initiative
« One of the main difficulties for women victims of domestic violence is finding a place to stay. Once they leave their homes, the support systems are often lacking, even through the emergency helpline, especially if a complaint has been filed. » It is from this observation that the Town Hall of Villejuif launched this new project that we can only applaud.
By opening 8 temporary and secure accommodations, the city aims to help victims of domestic violence by providing them with an escape, a safe place to stay in case they need to leave their family home.
Due to the lack of available apartments, the municipality has decided to innovate by using properties purchased by real estate developers, which are often left unoccupied between the sale and the tenants' move-in date.
A concrete project.
Safety first
For protection reasons, and therefore to keep distance, the 8 accommodations will be offered to women who do not come from Villejuif, to avoid their perpetrators being able to find them. And for each person housed, psychological, legal, and social support will be implemented by the association AUVM, responsible for the program.
An unprecedented project in the region, which will allow these women to stay for several months, while they rebuild themselves and find a more permanent solution. And the City Hall announced that the accommodations will be available for 10 years, at the end of which new construction plans for the premises should be implemented.