Ending an abusive relationship is not easy.
But packing and moving is even more difficult for women who are victims of domestic violence.
Fortunately, hundreds of abused women can thank Aaron and Evan Steed for coming to their rescue.
These two Americans own a moving company in the United States.
They offer them to move for free when they decide to break the circle of violence and leave the marital home.
Yet when they started their company, Meathed Movers in 1997, these two athletic students just wanted to find a way to make some money.
At the time, they charged for their intervention a little less than 20 euros... plus a pizza!
But as their business grew, the Steeds brothers began to receive insistent calls from women. All had little or no financial means.
They wanted to leave their house very quickly, before their violent husband returned.
These generous movers have always rushed to the homes of these women in danger to help them load their boxes...
While refusing any form of compensation!
Until the day, in 2000, when a situation almost degenerated when an abusive husband returned in the middle of a move.
That's when the company decided to better protect battered women and moving crews.
She then partnered with local shelters for battered women.
“What is positive about this approach is that the shelters can carry out a careful examination of the request for help, support these women with advice.
They can apply for appropriate restraining orders or call the police if necessary,” says Meathead manager Aaron Steed.
According to Beth Raub, the director of a local women's shelter, a member of the shelter is always present on moving day.
Its role is to be able to “enforce the law if things go wrong”.
Since that day in 2000, the company has expanded to Santa Barbara, Ventura, Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego counties, USA.
As soon as they open a new office, company officials identify a local battered women's shelter and go knock on their door.
"It's a special service that we like to provide," Aaron said in a phone interview. “These moves have become very personal. They make employees so proud, and they have become part of our mission. »
It also clarifies that the same services are available to any victim of domestic violence, whether male or female.
Yesterday, the company launched a communication campaign urging other companies to “be creative” and help victims of domestic violence.
With this initiative called #MoveToEndDV, the Meathead Movers hope to inspire other businesses.
They would like to influence them to rethink the way they work with shelters and help women as they try to rebuild their lives.
Their goal is to generate 100 new business initiatives that could offer services and create a community that shares their values.
They have already received promises from hairstylists for free haircuts, from a real estate agent offering his services to search for rentals and from a legal adviser offering to help them.
"We are very excited about this project," said Aaron. “He brings a lot more meaning and passion to our lives. And if we can be an example for others, that's so much better! .
When will there be an initiative of this type in France? Does it make you want to invest? Share your ideas in comments! We can't wait to read you.
