Survivors
for Survivors
A project by women for women
Pilot project
Survivors for Survivors is a pilot project set up by Ricochet, in collaboration with Women Aware, to respond to an urgent reality: over 50% of women experiencing homelessness have experienced domestic violence, and for many, this is one of the main reasons for their precarious situation. The project is designed to meet a growing demand, at a time when assistance resources are saturated. The project will run until February 2025, with the hope that it can become a permanent service to fill the resource gap on the West Island.
Mission: Concrete support for survivors
The goal of the Survivors for Survivors project is to assist and empower survivors of domestic violence through mutual support and advocacy. By offering support services and forums for exchange, the project aims to improve survivors' quality of life, while helping to raise community awareness of the realities of domestic violence. The intervention principles adopted are based on intersectional feminism, anti-oppression and harm reduction, guaranteeing personalized, non-judgmental support for every woman, whatever her origin, status or identity.
Services offered
1. Hotline
Breaking the isolation of survivors of domestic violence and offering them a non-judgmental space where they can access support and resources: this is the essential role of the helpline. We work to demystify domestic violence, present survivors with options and advocate for their safety and empowerment. The hotline is available to people currently living with violence, as well as those dealing with the consequences of past violence.
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The hotline offers immediate support through active and caring listening by committed volunteers. The service also directs callers to internal and external resources tailored to their needs.
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On request and subject to availability, our diverse team of peer support volunteers can offer services in several languages, including English, French, Brazilian Portuguese and Arabic.
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To reach the support line, call 514-489-1110 (Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
2. 1:1 Peer Support
1:1 peer support is an initiative designed to offer personalized accompaniment to survivors of violence, through one-on-one meetings with volunteers who have also gone through similar experiences. During these meetings, the volunteers provide active and sympathetic listening, while directing participants to internal and external resources tailored to their needs.
Discussions can take place by telephone, video, text message or in person, providing flexible and accessible support. This unique and specialized support ensures lasting and individualized support, tailored to the specific needs of each survivor. The bond of trust that develops between volunteers and survivors helps to break the social isolation that often results from situations of violence and abuse, providing a safe space in which to rebuild.
Due to high demand and a long waiting list, each woman can receive up to 3 individual support sessions.
3. Safety Plan
This service offers advice and personalized support to help women victims of domestic violence develop a safety plan. This plan aims to facilitate their safe exit from a dangerous situation, taking into account their specific needs and risks.
4. Emergency Accommodation and Transport
An emergency bed is available at the Ricochet Center from Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for women requiring immediate temporary accommodation. This bed can be used until 10 a.m. the following morning. To access it, women must call the hotline before 3 p.m. to make a reservation. After 3 p.m., the bed remains available as an emergency bed, but without the possibility of prior reservation. Ricochet's and Women Aware's teams work together to find a more permanent accommodation solution if necessary.
In addition to accommodation, bus tickets are provided to help women in financial difficulty travel to medical, professional or legal appointments. Ricochet also offers a shuttle service to West Island and downtown Montreal shelters, subject to availability.
A real and pressing emergency
On average, 1 in 3 women has experienced or is experiencing domestic violence. Ricochet and Women Aware are responding to a strong demand by offering solutions adapted to survivors. This project embodies our desire to contribute to a strong and accessible support network for women on the West Island of Montreal.
