The town of Brétigny-sur-Orge is organizing a series of events from November 24 to December 2 to combat violence against women. These initiatives aim to inform, raise awareness, and provide tools for action, while emphasizing the municipality's ongoing commitment to supporting women victims of violence, notably through two emergency housing units opened in 2024.
Prevention and information are considered essential for aiding victims and enabling witnesses to react. In Brétigny, several meetings open to all are scheduled for discussions with professionals and to discover existing support systems. White ribbons, made by volunteers from the Senior Service, will be distributed to show support for victims and commitment against this violence.
Several events are planned: on Tuesday, November 24, from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM, on Avenue Salvador Allende, an information booth run by the CCAS, Maison Départementale de l’Essonne, CAF, and the Femmes Solidarité 91 association will answer questions and provide guidance. A booth dedicated to UMAY, the mobile app against street harassment, will also be present. On Friday, November 27, from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM, a listening and information session will take place in the shopping gallery of the Auchan mall, offering victims, witnesses, and their loved ones a chance to talk, get informed, and learn about available aid.
Youth awareness is also a priority. Interventions will occur in middle and high schools, including at Collège Paul Éluard on Tuesday, November 24 (9 AM-12 PM) and at Lycée Jean-Pierre Timbaud on Wednesday, November 25 (9 AM-5 PM). An awareness escape game is offered to 15-25 year olds on Thursday, November 26 (9 AM-4 PM) with the Repères association. Participatory workshops and debates are scheduled at BTP CFA de Brétigny on Tuesday, December 1 (8 AM-4 PM), and prevention activities for young mothers and unaccompanied minors will take place at the Institut Départemental Enfance et Famille on Wednesday, December 2 (10 AM-12 PM and 2 PM-4 PM).
The municipality has had two emergency housing units since 2024 to temporarily accommodate victims of domestic violence and their children, offering joint support with the Femmes Solidarité 91 association. These facilities allow women to find long-term housing in a more serene environment. Last year, a first beneficiary, Myriam, testified to the importance of this reception after fleeing with her children following several complaints against her ex-partner.
Beyond these specific events, Brétigny supports women victims of violence throughout the year. This includes specific and confidential support, partnerships with specialized associations like Femmes Solidarité 91 and UMAY, the provision of emergency housing, and training for municipal agents in reception and awareness.
For more information, the Centre Communal d’Action Sociale (CCAS) can be reached at 01 60 85 06 91 or by email at ccas91220@mairie-bretigny91.fr. In case of immediate danger, call 17 or 112. The 3919 is a free and anonymous national helpline for women victims of violence.
