HISTORY OF S.O.S FEMMES

On the 3rd of March 1988, a Centre Municipal des Femmes was opened in Beau Bassin whose goal was to advise women having legal, medical and psychological problems. The majority of women who turned up were battered victims-survivors from both urban and rural areas and from all social classes, although the majority were from the working classes.

As time passed by, we were aware of the limitations and effectiveness of our work. Battered women who came to the Centre Municipal des Femmes were either forced out of their homes by their husbands or partners or had to run away for their safety, if not for their lives. They were scared, powerless, destitute and with their children clinging to them. They sought not only legal advice but, above all, support and effective protection from violence. Whilst we were able to give them advise we were utterly helpless to give them appropriate protection and shelter. In fact we kept sending them back to their violent partner! The urgent need for a shelter for battered women prompted us to launch SOS Femmes.

 For victims-survivors, SOS Femmes offers and promotes courage to say no to violence and encourage them to start a new life free of abuse and constant fear. The organisation has been fighting against domestic violence against women by helping them break the silence and start a new life free of violence and abuse.

OUR SHELTER

In September 1990, SOS Femmes opened the first shelter and in September 1995 we rented a building to operate the a shelter with financial assistance from international funding agencies, embassies and private donors.

In March 2007, a Mauritian woman residing in the United Kingdom graciously donated a house to the association. We received funding from the Decentralised Cooperation Programme of the European Union, the Rotary Club of Grand Bay and other private donors for the renovation and extension of the property thus we had our new shelter.

When the women come to the shelter most of the time they do not only leave their home but their personal belongings also. Often they are even compelled to resign from their job for their own security. They are scared, helpless and without any resources. These women need help and support to re-build not only their shattered lives but also their self-esteem and self-confidence. The rehabilitation of battered women and children is a long and harsh struggle.

SOS Femmes is strongly committed to its mission to 'put women back on their feet' and to give to the victims-survivors and their children all the assistance and support they need.