Moscow, 14.10.2016

The Public Chamber of the Russian Federation and the children’s ombudsman Anna Kuznetsova reported on the start of work to collate information about crisis centres providing help to women in difficult situations. According to the project’s initiators, no systematised information on these centres exists and women in trouble often do not know where to go.

The children’s ombudsman Anna Kuznetsova told Izvestia that the project will make information about crisis centres more accessible. Women will be able to find out where to go with young children, what help the centres can provide, and whether temporary housing is available. The ombudsman considers crisis centres an effective tool for helping women facing difficulties.

“It isn’t right that women face a choice between abortion or baby boxes. Women should have an alternative — a support system including crisis centres, social and material support measures, and help finding employment. Expectant mothers and those with children should be provided with comprehensive support so they know they aren’t alone”, Kuznetsova told Izvestia.

A significant proportion of crisis centres were established by NGOs, and there is no systematised information about all existing facilities, noted Yuliya Zimova of the Public Chamber. In Moscow, for example, women can contact the Help for Mum centre, founded by the Orthodox support service Mercy.

All this information will be combined in an interactive map where users can filter results by region and other search criteria — for example, displaying centres which offer women not only help, but also accommodation. Yuliya Zimova stated that the Civic Chamber’s website contains the necessary resources for the creation of such a map. Users will be able to register new centres there themselves.

Experts are also planning to open a hotline where women facing difficulties can find out this information, because many are unaware of the support available.

Author: Olga Vorobeva http://www.asi.org.ru/news/142735/