"A central, reassuring, secure and accessible place": a shelter for women and children who are victims of violence in Cagnes-sur-Mer

This is the first establishment of this type in the west of the department ^{(1) (2)} . A place which brings together different professionals in the same place, at 75 avenue Cyrille-Besset in Cagnes-sur-Mer ⁽³⁾ , and exclusively dedicated to women and children who are victims of domestic or intra-family violence.

This regional women's center is expected to open in October 2025.

"It's not emergency accommodation, it's a day centre where we'll find a psychologist, a lawyer, a social worker, etc. and probably law enforcement on-call duty to file complaints on site," says Alexia Krisanaz, general manager of Harpèges, who is in charge of this project.

"Just push the door"

"The advantage of a place like this is that there is a coordinator to avoid having to repeat each person's story ," says Alexia Krisanaz. "All you have to do is walk through the door and victims will find support before, during and after a complaint and before, during and after a trial."

The foundation stone of this regional women's house was laid on Friday, July 11.

"It will include two communal spaces, six offices, and a reception area ," explains Alexia Krisanaz. "This space has been designed as a central, reassuring, secure, and accessible location. Women and their children will be welcomed without judgment and with kindness by a multidisciplinary team. The services are confidential and free. This is not just a promise. These are highly experienced professionals."

The regional women's center is supported by the City of Cagnes-sur-Mer, the Department, the Region, and the State. "We will work in concert with the judicial, health, and security services, and specialized associations," announced the general director of Harpèges.

"We must then find the resources to speak."

What should you do if you are a victim of domestic or intra-family violence? "To make things go more smoothly, the best thing is to file a complaint. It's one of the best ways to get psychological and legal support. But sometimes you're not ready to file a complaint. You then need to find the resources to talk to a family doctor or other professionals (hospital, CCAS, PMI, specialized associations like L'abri côtier in Nice, Montjoye in Nice, Parenthèse in Antibes, Parcours de femmes in Cannes or Harpèges in Grasse)" , says Alexia Krisanaz.

There are also helpline numbers: 39.19 for women and 119 for children.

1. Women's Center at L'Archet Hospital, located at 151 Route Saint-Antoine-de-Ginestière in Nice. Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 04.92.03.21.10. [email protected]

2. Pass'r'elles Regional Women's Center at 6, rue Tonduti-de-L'Escarène in Nice. Open Monday to Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. 04.97.13.39.46. [email protected]

3. Regional Women's Center at 75, avenue Cyrille-Besset in Cagnes-sur-Mer. Open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 04.93.90.85.66. [email protected]