Finding emergency accommodation
If you’re not safe at home and don’t know where to go, there are solutions. It is vital that you do…
If you do not have financial resources or your partner or ex-partner has blocked your access to funds, there are some solutions to cover the costs of your basic necessities. Unfortunately, these solutions are still quite limited in France.
Verified by Ouarda Varda Sadoudi on 07/12/2023
France does not yet offer emergency same-day financial assistance to victims of domestic abuse.
However, you can apply for state financial assistance to be paid to you within three to five days. There are also some other solutions you can consider in the immediate.
Urgent state financial help
An urgent state financial assistance called “aide universelle d’urgence” is available to victims of domestic abuse.
If you do not have your own bank account, it is recommended that you open one as soon as possible in order to receive money into it.
If you work in France and have money in your company’s savings account as part of the company’s saving plan or “Plan Epargne Entreprise”, you can unlock it in the event of domestic abuse. You can contact your employer to learn more.
It is recommended to make an appointment with a professional known as a “travailleur social” or social worker.
This professional will be able to help you find solutions based on your personal situation and support with your administrative procedures, particularly when applying for financial assistance. They can also inform you about other available tools, such as reduced-cost or even free public transport depending on your situation.
To make an appointment with a “travailleur social”, you can:
Make an appointment with your company’s social work assistant or “assistante sociale” if you are employed. You can contact your employer to learn more.
If you’re not working and you need money, some sectors often hire people quickly.
If you are married or have children, you may receive a financial contribution from your spouse or the other parent following a judge’s decision:
However, it may take several weeks or even months before a judge’s decision is made.
It is not always easy, but it is possible to regain financial independence, even after having faced economic violence. Try not to feel discouraged.
In France, you can obtain free legal advice and even have your legal costs paid for you if you do not have enough resources.
In France, several organisations offer free appointments with lawyers where you can ask your questions and receive legal advice.
Some insurance policies include a legal protection that may cover part of your legal costs. This may be your home insurance, your bank card insurance, your professional insurance, or any other insurance you have taken out. You can contact your insurance company to find out more.
If you have to engage a lawyer or a legal professional called a “huissier de justice” in the context of legal proceedings, but your resources are too limited to pay for them, you may be able to benefit from partial or full payment of your legal costs, known as legal aid or “aide juridictionnelle”.
In France, there are many services that can support you, give you advice, and assist you with procedures and paperwork. Most of them are free of charge.
Social workers or “travailleurs sociaux” and “assistants sociaux” are professionals who support people in their administrative procedures and help them find solutions according to the difficulties they are faced with.
A “Mairie” is a local administration in charge of local policies. Its main role is to help its citizens in difficulty. They can inform you about your rights and the financial assistance available, direct you to relevant organisations, and even help you with certain administrative procedures.
“Associations” are organisations that offer a range of services.
While the utmost care has gone into providing you with the most accurate and up to date information, this page is not intended to replace legal or professional advice. Laws and procedures change regularly so it is important to consult qualified professionals.
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