Frequently Asked Questions

Alternative pour Elles is much more than a shelter. The organization provides a full range of services to women and children, with or without accommodation.

For more details, please read the description of our services.

There is no specific length of time a woman can stay at the shelter; it can range from a few days to a few months. It depends on the needs and circumstances of each woman.

All of the services provided by Alternative pour Elles are free and confidential for women and their children, whether they stay in accommodation or not. We are also able to also offer support services to family and relatives.

Absolutely! Whether you are staying in accommodation or not, you and your children have access to all of our services. A youth counsellor will meet with you to identify the difficulties experienced by your children and suggest an approach that could suit their needs.

Many women who come to the shelter have not experienced physical abuse. It is important to know that other forms of violence have impacts just as serious as physical violence. They can affect self-esteem, self-image and the victim’s personal functioning.

The top priority is to ensure your safety. We suggest you bring personal effects only if doing so does not put you at risk. It is not an issue if you arrive at the shelter without any personal effects.

Depending on the urgency and time available, bring only your most important personal effects, including identification records for you and your children. We have whatever else it takes to help you if you need it. If you have time and can pack a bag ahead of time without putting yourself in danger, we suggest you pack clothing, important items for your children, birth certificates, income tax returns and important personal documents.

(For more details, see our section on protection scenarios.)

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate animals, but we can help you locate shelter facilities for them during your stay with us.

Yes. We have a number of security measures in place for your protection. Also, the address of the shelter is kept confidential.

No. Coming to the shelter entails no obligation on your part. This is a time to stop, recover, take stock of the situation and talk to counsellors in a climate of trust and assistance. You yourself are in the best position to judge which decision is right.

If you wonder whether to file a report, that decision is up to you and can be made at any time. We can, however, inform you of your rights and guide you through the process.

It can sometimes be difficult to identify and acknowledge that we are experiencing spousal violence, which is often subtle and gradual. One clue is if you see yourself changing and no longer being at ease around the spouse or being ordered to do things you don’t like.

If fear is stopping me from freely expressing myself, I am probably in an unhealthy relationship. Violence can make me doubt myself, my capacities, and my perceptions.

To recognize the various forms of violence, click here.