After 35 years of marriage, Marie’s husband unexpectedly stormed into their bedroom and ripped off the bedcovers. She was ordered to leave the house. Stripped of her dignity, Marie’s world turned upside down and she had no idea where to turn.

“I never expected this would happen to me. I found myself on the streets in my nightclothes,’ says Marie. Seeking refuge, she went to her sister’s house where she felt like a burden. A chance encounter with a nun Marie knew from school days saw her referred to the YWCA of Lebanon Shelter for Abused women and children.

The Shelter run by the YWCA of Lebanon is providing refuge and support to many women like Marie. “ While it is disheartening to face the reality of increasing household violence in Lebanon, we are happy we can provide an immediate response to the needs of destitute women and their children, “ says Mona Khauli, YWCA of Lebanon National Executive Director.

Women who arrive at the shelter come from all walks of life. ‘Referrals came from foreign embassies that need temporary residence for their citizens who are victims of abuse. We also get women from different organisations that offer counselling and legal services to abused women. Over and above these referrals, some victims sought assistance on their own having heard about the Shelter from friends or from the media,” explains Khauli.

Spending time in the Shelter is often a liberating experience for the women. “I was treated like a human being and given all the care I needed’, says Marie. “ My dignity was restored. I was introduced to the Beirut YWCA where I enlisted as a volunteer. I was delegated to help renovate the shelter bedrooms and living area. I felt needed and respected.”

Respect for all the women during their stay is important to the YWCA of Lebanon.“Counselling is provided on a personal and private level, while general discussions and awareness issues are offered to all members present to develop a group spirit”, says Khauli.

The YWCA of Lebanon supports the women in the shelter throughout the entire time of their stay. “Follow-up with families takes place immediately after a file has been established for the victim, to verify all the information given and begin the process of reconciliation or separation,” says Khauli. “ Reconciliation always takes priority before any major legal steps are taken towards separation from the custodian.”

Reconciliation for the victims is not just a legal process, but also a personal one. “Throughout, my main concern was that my life had lost its purpose. What would I ever live for? The YWCA helped me by providing social and physical needs, but also a vision and skills for a future,” explains Marie.

The YWCA of Lebanon provides skills building for the women in the Shelter. Basic computer training, assistance with job placement and computer classes is part of the training centre. These classes provide women like Marie, the opportunity of a new beginning. “I am proud to say I am advancing in English and computer skills. Soon I will buy a laptop so I can be in touch with my daughters,” Marie says.

Over the next six months, the YWCA of Lebanon plans to renovate the shelter and take their work out into the community. “ We want to organise non violence workshops for the disadvantaged children in the city slums of Beirut,” says Khauli.

Although violence against women and children is a harrowing field to work in, Khauli can see the difference the YWCA is making to those who call the shelter home. “Sometimes we encounter difficulties, but when you hear stories like Marie’s, then we see women’s lives are changing because of the Shelter.”