The context
Over the past ten years, the various municipalities in the Casalmaggiore area, in the province of Cremona, have made support for women survivors of violence a priority within their social and welfare services.
Since 2013, the Anti-Violence Centre, managed by the M.I.A. – Movimento Incontro Ascolto association ODV, has supported numerous women survivors of violence, offering a safe space for listening and personalised pathways towards independence. Over the years, the centre has provided support from psychologists, counsellors, and linguistic-cultural mediators.
Thanks to this centre and the services available in the area, these vulnerable women are supported not only during emergency situations—through listening services and safe houses—but also through employment integration programmes.
However, housing autonomy remains a challenge due to the shortage of public and private accommodation, posing a significant obstacle to escaping violence and achieving full independence.
The project
Often, housing is the primary need for women survivors of violence, alongside the necessity to process and come to terms with their experiences. A safe place becomes essential for rebuilding a sense of protection, support, and trust, as well as for reconnecting with social networks through employment reintegration projects.
The “United for autonomy” project involves the structural and managerial refurbishment of a block of housing owned by the Municipality of Casalmaggiore. The aim is to create a suitable environment that can accommodate women in a safe living context, integrating services that support personal autonomy.
The accommodation can host four family units (individuals or those with children) and overlooks a shared courtyard within a larger public housing complex. This physical proximity and shared space also allow the women to offer mutual support in managing their daily needs.
The management intervention involves setting up a coordinating body among all local stakeholders, with the aim of defining the operational procedures of the service and initiating a pilot phase.
During this 12-month phase, the presence of a coordinator and tutor—supported by Fondazione Marcegaglia’s involvement—will be crucial. Their role will be to facilitate the networking of the various services related to women’s autonomy, monitor integration within the new environment, and oversee participation in the personalised autonomy programme.