The mayor of Nice, Éric Ciotti, has announced the creation of a Women’s House within Villa Paradiso. At the initiative of Zara Boutayeb, this project aims to offer a 24-hour refuge for women victims of violence. It will be operational in autumn 2027.
During a press conference held this Friday, September 25, the mayor of Nice, Éric Ciotti, announced the creation of a Women’s House in Villa Paradiso. Initiated by Zara Boutayeb, delegate for women’s rights, this project is part of a response to the drastic increase in domestic violence.
Each day in Nice, 11 complaints are filed for domestic violence. The municipality is therefore providing a comprehensive and innovative response since “this tool will respond in a very ambitious way and no project of this scale exists today in France“, emphasizes the mayor.
Villa Paradiso will make it possible to bring together under the same roof medical care, legal support, social assistance and 12 emergency accommodations, accessible 24 hours a day. The delegate for women’s rights was quick to emphasize the political and moral urgency of such a place. According to her, “a city where women do not feel protected is a sick city.”
One place, multiple services
Villa Paradiso, a former conservatory in Nice listed as a historic monument, will have its 1,300 m² renovated. Over three floors, several services will be offered to end the ordeal that women face.Zara Boutayeb summed it up clearly : “Yesterday, women died in all corners of the city […] Tomorrow, there will be only one door: care, law, filing a complaint, support, emergency accommodation, all in the same place.”
On the ground floor, users will find the “Passer-elle” scheme, managed by the Community Social Action Centre (CCAS) and labeled as a Regional Women’s House. Last year, 3,423 welcomes were provided there. This level will also house social workers to provide social, legal, psychological and judicial support.
The first floor will be dedicated to the medical department run by Nice University Hospital. Originally located at the Archet hospital, where it has cared for 480 women and conducted 1,600 consultations since its creation, it will be installed at Villa Paradiso from autumn 2027. Women requiring care will find doctors, psychologists, social workers and midwives.
The top floor, covering an area of 400 m², will offer between 12 and 15 emergency reception rooms for women forced to leave their homes. These temporary accommodations will serve as protection and provide a transition to more permanent housing through the “A roof for her” scheme.
Safety at the heart of the project
The municipality has chosen a public address, breaking with the tradition of reception centers. For them, the latter do not provide real protection. The Women’s House will have human presence and technical devices in continuous operation to ensure the safety of occupants.
The site will be placed 24 hours a day under video surveillance and monitored by a security guard. The latter will also be in direct contact with the municipal police and national police. “You are no longer alone, do not be afraid, and we are here to protect you”, reminds Zara Boutayeb. Women will therefore be able to come at any time of night and be assisted immediately.
This project represents 2.2 million euros in construction work, which will begin in November 2026. The full opening of this Women’s House is scheduled for autumn 2027, and if possible before that date, reassures Éric Ciotti.
NicePremium is a free, independent local news outlet.
Help us keep going by supporting our work from €5 per month.
