L’Autre Chez Soi: women’s shelter with the resources that really help

The Aylmer women’s shelter, L’Autre Chez Soi, has been meeting the needs of victims of domestic abuse and their children since 1987. For 30 years, it has been a refuge for women in their time of need. Whether they flee an abusive situation in the middle of the night or arrive there as part of a carefully planned exit strategy, women and their children will be received by a staff of professionals. Safe, secure, free of charge and judgement.

They are currently at 135% occupancy. According to staff, that’s not necessarily because there are more instances of abuse than in the past. It’s more likely because outreach efforts are working, women are responding and are quicker to seek help.

The staff at L’Autre Chez Soi want the community to know about their external counselling program. A woman who is a victim of domestic abuse and in need of support does not have to be housed at the shelter to take advantage of their counselling services. There is no wait list, she can call and make an appointment free of charge to receive counselling, emotional support as well as legal and practical information. In addition, they offer group counselling with their Antidote program. This initiative offers women the opportunity to come together, share their experiences and discuss issues around self-esteem and self-awareness. Another important service offered is youth counselling for children and young people who have experienced or witnessed domestic violence. All of this is done in a safe and confidential setting.

Quesnel says the most important thing an individual can do for someone in an abusive relationship or who is experiencing domestic abuse is “to talk about the situation with them and be there for them any time of day or night, without judgement, so that when they are ready to leave, they have someone they can turn to”.

Supervisor and social worker Nathalie Quesnel said, “The population of Aylmer is very generous with donations”. The most needed items are anything that could help a woman with or without children begin life again in an apartment. Items such as kitchen tools, furniture and clothing for women and children are the most useful to women who are trying to start over. The only items they cannot accept are mattresses and old televisions.

L’Autre Chez Soi crisis line: 819-685-0006.

 

Website: lautrechezsoi.com (equipped with “quick exit” and “erase my traces” buttons)
All services are free, confidential and available in English and French 24hrs/day 7 days/week