The Coalition of Women's Shelters has launched a campaign to let women know where they can turn if they need help.

Despite the fact that police in Quebec received 20,000 calls about domestic violence in the last year, the coalition says the problem is likely much bigger.

It's difficult to know exactly how many women experience domestic violence in Quebec because most cases go unreported.

Women don't know about the services that are available to them, explained Louise Riendeau, Quebec coordinator of the coalition.

“We see some partners who look at how many kilometres they make with the car. There's a lot of types of control women can face and they don't always think it's domestic violence,” she explained.

Flyers and an online campaign are working to let women know there's help when they're ready.

The online campaign goes on until Dec. 6, and 50,000 keys will be given out across the province during the next year to let women know they can turn to one of the coalition's many shelters.

“We try to make plans with her, we try to give her all the tools that she needs, but it's important to respect the woman's choice, if she wants to go back or try something else,” said Valerie Merette, a counsellor at Lina’s Home.             

“For victims of conjugal violence, calling the police can make the situation worse,” explained Marie-France, who spent seven years in an abusive relationship before she called the coalition.

“It was difficult to see myself as a victim. No one wants to see themselves like that,” she said.

They gave her a room and access to counsellors.

“All of their services helped me regain my sense of self,” she said.