In trouble in France: where can she get help?

[lostinfrance2016]

I met a British woman recently who's living in France and in a really horrible situation. Don't want to give too many details, but basically her marriage has deteriorated to the point where they are (physically) fighting and heading for a divorce. She has zero support here - she can't afford a lawyer, doesn't speak French very well and struggles to understand conversations, she has no close friends as she's had terrible PND since arriving here less than a year ago. She has a baby, so can't just up sticks and move to the UK.

Does anyone know where she can turn for support? Are the PMI / social workers obliged to communicate with foreign nationals in their own language? Is there such a thing as legal aid here? Or the equivalent of a Citizens Advice Bureau? Women's Aid?

[OlennasWimple]

Try the British embassy for help sign-posting towards the agencies that can help?

[Laptopwieldingharpy]

Where is she? Big city or small town?
Is the husband french?

[Hobbitch]

Here is a link for the equivalent of Women's Aid. They offer free legal advice. I'm sure they'll have someone who speaks English.

www.infofemmes.com/v2/p/Contact/Liste-des-CIDFF/73

[lostinfrance2016]

Thank you so much. She's in a big city, and her husband is neither French nor British (he's not European).

[PlasticBertrand]

If she's in paris she should get in touch with Message Paris. There's also a listening helpline in English, SOS something, the info will probably be on the fusac website.

[pimmsy]

has your friend found help yet ?

[jenpetronus]

There are a couple of English speaking groups for mums on FB which are really supportive too - Mums Space France and Ladies in France Together are the two I know of, your friend may already be a member?

[lostinfrance2016]

Yes she has, kind of. its still a very messy situation, but she's managed to get a lawyer at least. Thanks.