Contact initial reception centres and emergency shelters

Women's shelters provide protection, counselling, support and assistance to any woman and her children who are threatened or affected by psychological, physical and/or sexual and domestic violence, as well as to women who are victims of stalking (persecution, harassment by admirers). The length

of stay for those affected in a women's shelter is approximately three days and can, in exceptional cases, extend to several months. Men are generally not permitted to enter. The

telephone numbers of women's shelters and their counselling centres can be found in local telephone directories or by enquiring at welfare organisations, local equal opportunities officers and youth or social services offices.