I need help:

I’m concerned

Maison Hélène-Lacroix provides help and safe housing, 24 hours a day, for women who are victims of violence in the Québec City area.

It’s normal to be concerned about certain behaviours or feelings you’ve experienced in a relationship. The following questions may help you figure out what’s going on.

How do I know if I am experiencing violence in my relationship?

Most of the time, the way violence occurs within a relationship is subtle. It can be difficult to clearly identify violence or distinguish it from conflict. If certain situations make you
uncomfortable, if you feel that your boundaries are not respected, or if you have growing doubts about yourself, your decisions, or your perceptions, you may be wondering if you are a victim of abuse.

To help you see more clearly, take the questionnaire
I’m concerned about my situation – SOS Violence conjugale
How can Maison Hélène-Lacroix support me when I’m concerned about my relationship?

Maison Hélène-Lacroix offers a 24-hour help line. Trained staff will answer your questions, assess your needs, and tell you about the services we provide that can help in your situation.
Our short-term accommodation is safe and confidential. You’ll be able to step back and take stock of your situation. You can also take part in daily group workshops that will inspire you to reflect on your situation.
If you don’t want to go to a shelter or if you’re on a waitlist, external counselling is always an option.
For all our services, we provide personalized counselling to offer guidance and support in your decisions.
I’ve been told that I’m violent too. Is that true?

Sometimes the person who is being abused might think that they’re the problem and that the way they react is what’s causing the abuse.
When you feel you have to defend yourself or react to violence directed at you, that’s called reactionary violence. The goal is to protect yourself or regain control of the situation.
Someone who adopts violent behaviours wants to have power over the other person. Their behaviours will not be specific to a certain situation, and they will often try to deny responsibility for their actions.
Is the shelter only for victims of physical violence?
I am a victim of violence from someone other than my partner. Am I still eligible for your services?
What if I can't afford to leave the place where I live?

Your financial circumstances can be an obstacle to leaving an abusive relationship.
That’s why Maison Hélène-Lacroix covers the cost of your accommodation and meals while you’re with us. Depending on your situation, there is also an emergency fund to help with transportation to the shelter and to meet your basic needs.
When you use our services, support workers will be able to explain all your options and help you apply for financial assistance if you need it.
I think I am a victim of violence. What are my options?
Your safety is our priority. If you are in danger, call 911 for immediate police assistance.
Go to a safe place (your home, a friend’s home, a family member’s home, your local pharmacy, your doctor’s office, etc.) so you can call 418-527-4682 to talk to a support worker and discuss your options.
To help you stay safe, we can set up safety plans. (link to safety plans section).

To learn more about the difference between conflict and violence, click here.

To learn more about forms of violence, click here.

Woman looking at her cell phone in a bathroom

Should I stay or go?

Deciding whether to stay in an abusive relationship or leave can be difficult. There are many reasons to feel hesitant or confused. Asking for help can help you think through your options. Our trained staff can offer guidance and support you as you decide what to do.

To speak to someone who can help, call 418-527-4682

Is my immigration status a barrier to your services?

No. Regardless of your immigration status, our trained staff can explain your rights and support you in your decisions.

If necessary, we can arrange access to an interpreter .
If I have mobility issues, can you still help me?
I have a joint lease with my abuser. What are my options?
At the shelter, will I have to file a complaint or end my relationship?

No,

The staff at Maison Hélène-Lacroix understand that you need to go at your own pace, and they will respect your choices. They can support you as you think about what you’re going through and explain all of your options so you can make an informed decision.
I am in a same-sex relationship, and my partner is abusive. Am I eligible for your services?
If the person who is violent goes to therapy and promises to change, is there a chance that everything will go back to normal?

Although therapy specifically addresses the problem of violence, it is not a quick fix.

Violence is a behaviour chosen and adopted by the abuser in order to maintain power in the relationship. To bring about real change, the abuser must take responsibility for their actions. This process of awareness takes time and calls for the abuser to take a long, hard look in the mirror.
How can I access your services?
In an emergency, call 911

To reach someone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, call 418-527-4682

You can also email us at [email protected]
What are my options if I don’t want to stay in a shelter or if there is no space available when I call?

I want to leave

Even once you’ve decided to leave the relationship, you may be experiencing a wide range of emotions. It’s hard to know where to start.
A support worker can help you plan how to leave safely and think about what your next steps will be.

Contact us at: 418-527-4682

Is there a cost for your accommodation and services?

No,

All our services are free.
What do I need to bring to the shelter?
It can be difficult to think of everything when you’re planning to leave. Here’s a checklist of things to pack:

Clothes

Personal hygiene products

Medication

ID cards, bank cards, and cash

Extra set of keys to your home and vehicle

Official documents (birth certificate, health insurance card, passport, court judgment, tax papers, etc.)

If possible, pack these items in a bag and leave it with someone you trust or in a safe, easily accessible place in case you need to leave quickly.

You can also go back and pick up more personal belongings later on. A support worker can help you plan this process.
Can I bring my pets with me?
How long can I stay in the shelter?

You can stay for a few days or a few months, depending on your needs and your personal initiatives.

Our goal is to help you regain control of your life. If necessary and depending on availability, once you leave the shelter you might be able to move to a studio in our second-stage house to help you move forward and achieve your goals.
Will I be able to return to my home to pick up other personal belongings?
How can I get to your accommodation without my abuser finding out?
Once I am in the shelter, can I go out to work as normal and do all my usual activities?

Your safety is our priority.

At Maison Hélène-Lacroix, we offer a range of daily activities that will encourage you to talk about what you’re going through and help you make sense of it all as you regain control of your life.

Depending on the objectives for your stay at the shelter and as long as you can do so safely, you can continue to go to work and do the activities that are important to you.
I’m afraid of how my abuser will react after I leave. I’m scared about them trying to find me and take revenge. Is your facility safe?
Yes,

Our address is confidential, and no visitors are allowed.

All incoming calls are screened.

We use intercoms and cameras to identify everyone before we let them in.

We have security cameras outside to ensure that the property remains secure.

Our goal is for you to feel safe in the house, so you can settle in and take the time to think about what you want for yourself going forward.

For more information, contact us!
[email protected]
418-527-4682