The association Place des Femmes has been selected as a laureate of the Fondation setec’s Transition 2025 Fund for its project “Intempourelles”.
Committed to women’s rights and gender equality, the association supports women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Its work is based on essential values: non‑judgment, discretion, kindness, respect for individual pace, proximity, and sisterhood.
The “Intempourelles” project offers breathing spaces outside usual structures, in a neutral place, to allow women to regain confidence, experience autonomy, and rely on collective support, accompanied by a social worker.
Context
On average, seven round trips to the perpetrator are necessary before a final separation.
But leaving the abuser does not always put an end to the violence: coercive control, threats, belittlement, isolation, or psychological hold may persist, weakening the ability to act, self‑esteem, and parenting capacities, especially when children are involved.
The numerous and complex administrative, judicial, and social procedures make this period even more difficult. Many women find themselves isolated and lacking self‑confidence.
The “Intempourelles” project aims to strengthen the process of leaving violence by offering comprehensive support that fosters personal reconstruction.
The “Intempourelles” Project
The proposed activities are structured around three major stages of the reconstruction journey:
Understanding and expressing
- A full day of equitherapy, in partnership with Happy Pédagogie and the Estaimpuis equestrian center.
- Horses, as sensitive animals, facilitate expression and reconnection with the outside world.
- This activity complements individual support.
Regaining self‑esteem and confidence
- Well‑being workshops: yoga, massages, relaxation, stress management.
- Group sessions: cooking, drawing, writing, DIY… led by volunteers trained in domestic violence.
These moments support self‑determination, strengthen sisterhood, and prepare women for crucial appointments (hearings, filing complaints, etc.).
Reclaiming pleasure and relaxation
- Cultural outings: cinema, museums, theatre…
- Stays “in nature” in a guesthouse, co‑designed with the women, to experience autonomy in a safe environment.
Each break from daily life allows them to test life “outside the abuser’s control,” without judgment: every attempt is a learning opportunity, never a failure.
The overarching goal is to provide moments of respite in a neutral place, allowing each woman to regain confidence, try things independently, while still being supported by the group and the social worker.
Objectives
- Break isolation and strengthen sisterhood.
- Encourage recognition of lived experiences and expression of needs.
- Support the construction of a future free from violence.
- Value parenting and restore the mother‑child bond.
- Restore self‑esteem and ability to act.
- Open new possibilities and reconnect with the outside world.
Expected Impacts
Collective moments, well‑being activities, and animal‑assisted mediation should enable participants to:
- better understand the cycle of violence,
- rebuild their confidence,
- strengthen their decision to separate,
- find the energy needed to undertake procedures, especially judicial ones,
- reinforce parenting and create positive moments with their children.
Neutral spaces for rejuvenation are essential: they allow women to breathe, refocus, and regain strength.
The Role of Fondation setec
Fondation setec supports two groups of 10 women and their children, with funding of 15,000 euros.
Elisa Rochet and Mattéo Fauvellière, from setec énergie environnement, are committed to supporting Place des Femmes as sponsor and co‑sponsor.