A non-profit in Central Brittany
Leaving is the first step.
It already asks so much of her.
From there, we will share the load.
Near Pontivy, in rural Brittany, Maison Résilience is preparing a refuge and a rebuilding pathway designed for rural women and their children.
What rural women face
In the countryside, leaving is harder.
of consultations at women's rights information centres (CIDFF) in rural Brittany are mainly about violence, compared with 32% elsewhere.
of single people seen by these centres in rural areas have dependent children.
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Distance
Services are far away, and the only car often belongs to her partner.
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Being seen
Everyone knows everyone. Confiding in someone means risking being seen.
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What holds her back
Leaving often means moving the children to another school or leaving pets behind. These ties keep many women at home.
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A discreet way in
Women come about a child, a budget or a form, rarely saying “I am a victim”.
Sources: Key figures on gender equality in Brittany, 2026 edition. Pontivy Communauté domestic violence forum, September 2026.
What the local area tells us
A committed area. A missing link.
On 10 September 2026, 13 organisations from the Pontivy area traced victims' journeys together.
police call-outs for domestic violence in 2025
emergency aid requests from victims between 2023 and 2025
households placed in emergency hotel rooms in 2025 by the local housing referral service
What every partner agrees on: emergency accommodation is missing.
Sources: France Victimes 56, gendarmerie, SIAO 56, CAF du Morbihan, data presented at the Pontivy Communauté domestic violence forum.
Our response
Shelter today, support for what comes next.
A five-step pathway, from tonight's emergency to tomorrow's independence. When a woman comes through the door, we will start from where she is, without boxes and without judgement.
1Step 1 of 5
Emergency shelter
Getting safe
A safe, warm and confidential place, for her and her children.
2Step 2 of 5
Full assessment
Understanding her needs
Rights, health, paperwork: every situation is unique.
3Step 3 of 5
Stabilisation
Regaining confidence
Catching her breath, with psychological support and workshops.
4Step 4 of 5
Towards independence
Turning towards the future
Work, training, long-term housing and transport.
Programme linked to step 4
A programme for women
Encouraging boldness, commitment and professional solidarity among rural women.
5Step 5 of 5
Support after the house
A lasting connection
In the countryside, isolation is real. We will stay in touch after she leaves.
Holistic support, meaning support for the whole person: her safety, health, rights, children, income and housing will be considered together, because in the countryside everything is connected.
Follow our progress first-hand.
Project updates, new partners and the moments when your help will matter most, straight to your inbox. Our newsletter is written in French.
Support us
First step: renovate and open the house.
Before welcoming the first women and their children, the house must be made secure, brought up to standard, renovated (electrics, insulation, plumbing) and then fitted out. Your donations will go directly to this work.
Fundraising goal
€150,000
100% secure payment
- Electrics, insulation, plumbing
- Bringing it up to standard
- Furniture
- Shared kitchen and living space
- Securing the site
- Official approvals
€17 after French tax relief
will help equip the shared kitchen, so mothers can cook with their children again.
Give €50€170 after French tax relief
will help with renovation: electrics, insulation and plumbing.
Give €500100% secure payment via the HelloAsso platform
French taxpayers can deduct 66% of their donation from their income tax (article 200 of the French Tax Code). Choose another amount
Become a partner.
Company, foundation, local authority or local organisation: would you like to help Maison Résilience open the house? Write to us, we would be glad to talk.
Are you in danger?
You are not alone. In France, these numbers answer day and night. From any phone in Europe, you can also call 112.