The context
Just like in Italy, gender-based and domestic violence are widespread and complex issues in France. Despite significant progress made in recent years, many deep-rooted challenges remain. Women who experience violence face enormous difficulties in reporting abuse, mainly due to fear of retaliation, shame, or the worry that they will not be believed. Added to these obstacles is economic and social inequality, which makes women particularly vulnerable to violence. Furthermore, resources available to victims, such as shelters, are often insufficient to meet the growing demand for support and protection.
Since 1976, the association Solidarité Femmes 13, based in Marseille, has been one of the main organisations dedicated to the protection and support of women victims of violence in the Marseille and Aix-en-Provence provinces. The association provides shelter and practical assistance, helping women overcome the trauma caused by violence and rebuild an independent and safe life.
The project
One of the main objectives of Solidarité Femmes 13 is to provide women victims of violence and their children with safe, confidential accommodation, widely distributed throughout the local area. The association complements housing support with targeted socio-educational assistance, aimed at helping victims escape violence and regain stability in their lives.
However, the increasing complexity of the housing market in major cities has led the association to focus its efforts on other areas that are more accessible and suitable for creating new protected accommodation. In particular, in Fos-sur-Mer, Solidarité Femmes 13 has been granted the free use of a house by the local municipality, located in a strategic area close to shops, public services, and transport, yet discreet enough to ensure the safety of the women. This facility represents a vital resource, as it can accommodate up to three family units, composed of women victims of violence and their children.
Although the renovation of the house was largely completed in 2024, several crucial tasks remained outstanding, including the design and installation of the kitchen, the completion of plumbing and electrical systems, and the purchase of the necessary furnishings to make the home fully operational.
Following the start of the Marcegaglia Group’s production activities in Fos-sur-Mer, the Foundation — which has always been committed to the areas where the company operates its plants — has decided to extend its social commitment to this territory as well, bringing to France the experience gained in combating gender-based violence and in creating pathways to autonomy for women.
With a contribution of €10,000, Fondazione Marcegaglia enabled the completion of these works by providing the necessary funds to finalise the renovation and purchase essential furniture and household items. Thanks to this support, the shelter home in Fos-sur-Mer was able to welcome its first women and children as early as the first months of 2025.
Furthermore, with an additional contribution of €20,000, the Foundation supports the association in implementing a therapeutic programme for the psychological recovery of victims through art therapy activities. This programme is intended not only for the women and children housed in the Fos-sur-Mer shelter, but also for guests of other facilities managed by Solidarité Femmes 13 in neighbouring municipalities. Art therapy is an important tool to help victims overcome the trauma of violence and regain the peace and strength needed to start a new life.
