At the association Mon âme sœur, everything always starts with listening and assessment, in order to intervene according to the victim's wishes, whether for initial contact or long-term support, sometimes until the end of a judicial or civil procedure.
The process of rebuilding, follow-up, therapy, and relearning to trust oneself and others can take years. In addition to contacts and resources offered, it’s about not being alone on this journey. “There are other victims, we know it, we talk about it,” explains Catherine Goujart-Delambre. “Yet, we always think we are alone.”
Thus, Mon âme sœur is there throughout the journey, providing legal, psychological, and social support, with 16 lawyers working in all possible fields that a victim may encounter, in civil and criminal matters, up to the assizes, including the Criminal Court, immigration law, and juvenile judges. Six volunteer psychologists also dedicate their time. Finally, 2 social workers carry out the support. Not to mention workshops led by, for example, sophrologists.
A general practitioner trained in domestic violence also offers 10 free consultations per month, particularly to issue medical certificates when necessary. The presence of a doctor is indeed very valuable. Some victims do not want to speak to their general practitioner because he sees the rest of the family. Others simply do not have a primary care physician.
An association born from the personal experiences of its founders, best friends who both faced domestic violence. "At the time, we didn't know much about it,” recounts Catherine Goujart-Delambre. “We sought help. It was difficult to find. So, a little idea sprouted. We said let’s go for it and see what happens!”
Very quickly, the first psychologists and lawyers arrived. Today, Mon âme sœur has 6 employees and 45 active volunteers. The association supports 600 new victims each year. “We already tell them that they are not alone, that they need to knock on doors, to ask for help, to accept being helped. After that, we really try to change the narrative regarding children, because we know that if they are not taken care of, 75% of them will either replicate or suffer in adulthood. So, it’s really about tackling the scourge of domestic violence. It’s a comprehensive approach. And we can still go further than what currently exists.”
