Annick's association has saved hundreds of lives since 2018 in Lot-et-Garonne

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At 70, Annick Cornaggia dedicates her life to that of others. “And I will until the end of my days.” Or even beyond,” she smiles. Since the arrival of his “baby” in 2018 in Marmande (Lot-et-Garonne), his association SOS Home Women Childrenshe saved hundreds of women victims of violence.

And occasionally, children, raised in the middle of a climate oh so deleterious.

Nearly 200 people saved in 2023

But where does this need to help people at all costs come from? “I remember my social workerwhen I was 7 or 8 years old, which had a big impact on me. I always told myself that I wanted to be the same. When I was little, I was restricted but far from stupid. They wouldn't let me go to school and I left home at 12 years old. I knocked on every door to find my father and get help. »

So in 2018, she decided to take the plunge and help women victims of physical violencepsychological, sexual and even financial. Since then, hundreds of people have been saved, like Mélanie.

For example, “ we helped 84 women and 109 children in 2023 ».

And the figures should be roughly similar in 2024. Not counting the black numbers : “These are people who commit suicide or attempt suicide so as not to file a complaint. »

“I never position myself”

Very often, the former trader receives calls for help via social networks. The situation is almost always the same: “These are women who have no one and who find themselves without a solution. »

So SOS Accueil Femmes Enfants accompanies these ladies by providing apartments and above all valuable help.

We generally sign agreements lasting three to five weeks. We organize meetings with lawyers or social workers. We remove geolocation, social networks and anything that could allow the husband to get in touch with the person. Afterwards, be careful, these women and children must move. I push them to keep this social connection.

Annick is necessarily exposed because of her activity. She confirms having been taken to task a few times.

“But I’m not afraid. The most violent are the weakest. These are people who don't have confidence in themselves. What is certain is that I never position myself in the conflict. I'm just trying to understand and help. »

Need for grants

Recently, Annick faced a situation that really affected her.

“I was contacted aftera man abandoned his wife and child herewithout any income or food. We had to run everywhere because the baby had severe allergies. A worrying situation. »

It wasn't the only one. During these 6 years, Annick has seen others.

Marmandese traders, wives of extremely wealthy men… There’s everything. The average age is between 30 and 45 years old but I still see this lady, at 84 years old, contacting me after having suffered violence for 50 years…

However, the association only survives thanks to the clearance sales and lotteries it organizes. Without forgetting the time and kindness of the volunteers who surround the president. “But we need additional subsidies from the state », she sighs.

And this, to help a great lady, who does good around her. “This is my life, my DNA and like I told you, I will do this until the end. »

The association's annual lottery will take place on December 7 at the Marmande exhibition space; to contact Annick: 06.70.57.75.74

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