Our Solidary Mission
Just as the wolf's den protects its pack, The Wolf's Den Refuge is designed as a safe, caring, and protective shelter. Our mission is to offer a completely free temporary shelter to families fleeing domestic violence (single mothers or single fathers accompanied by their children).
We believe that rebuilding one's life requires not only physical safety but also mental peace. This is why we provide a self-contained living space in the beautiful mountain environment of Kumakogen (Ehime, Shikoku), away from urban stressors.
A Layout Designed for Independence
The Shimohatanokawa house (single-story 7SLDK) is specifically divided into two independent wings to preserve the privacy and dignity of everyone:
- The Left Wing (Family Space): Completely reserved for the hosted guests. It includes a separate entrance, a self-contained kitchenette (K4.13), a private toilet (WC), a traditional tatami living room, and access to the guest bedrooms. If only one small family is hosted, this space is completely sufficient to ensure their total independence.
- The Right Wing (Host Quarters): Private living space for Kurodo and Misako. This immediate proximity provides a reassuring presence, daily logistical support, and enhanced security without ever invading the intimate space of the families.
- Shared Amenities: Access to the large traditional hot bath (ofuro) and the laundry room is shared to provide moments of therapeutic relaxation.
Healing & Therapeutic Environment
Kumakogen is a preserved mountain region, ideal for resting the mind. Within the refuge, we offer residents grounding activities and relaxation:
- The Solidary Vegetable Garden: Opportunities to practice growing organic vegetables in the ground close to the house.
- Traditional Hot Bath: The Japanese bath (ofuro) and the future outdoor bath (rotenburo) offer a space of relaxation and self-care.
- Listening & Support: Misako provides a kind, listening ear to help families overcome difficult moments and prepare for their next steps.
Existing Support Networks in Ehime Prefecture
To help families take the first step towards safety, we cooperate with and recommend contacting the following local public agencies and private non-profits in Ehime:
- Ehime Women's Consultation and Support Center: The prefectural public agency specializing in domestic violence support and coordinating public emergency shelters.
- NPO Sasaeru (Matsuyama): A private non-profit providing emergency shelters, share houses, and vocational training for families fleeing abuse and single-parent households.
- Kizuna Consultation Office (Ehime Workers' Welfare Protocol): Assists with crisis support and connects individuals with temporary shelters.
- Social Welfare Corporation Koinonia Association (Matsuyama): A well-established local welfare organization running Children's Homes (orphanages), Infant Homes, and night childcare centers. However, their facilities are designed to care for children alone or provide day/night daycare, rather than offering a unified emergency shelter where mothers (or fathers) and children can seek refuge together.
National Framework & Typology of Parent-Child Shelters in Japan
The Japanese system for sheltering and supporting parents fleeing crisis together with their children rests on two primary structures governed by distinct legal frameworks:
1. Mother-Child Living Support Facilities (母子生活支援施設)
Established under the Child Welfare Act, these public or semi-public welfare facilities allow single mothers, divorced women, or those fleeing domestic abuse to reside with their children under 18 in independent apartment-style units within the complex.
- Professional Support: On-site specialized staff including family support workers, child counselors, psychological counselors, and vocational advisors to help with child rearing, education, and career independence.
- National Count: There are currently around 204 facilities operating across Japan (according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare).
- Facilities in Ehime: Representative locations include the Ehime Prefectural Ehime Mother-Child Living Support Center in Matsuyama and the municipal shelter Seiko-ryo in Niihama. Admission is coordinated through local municipal Welfare Offices.
2. Private Emergency Shelters (民間シェルター)
Operated by non-profit organizations (NPOs) or private civic groups, these shelters offer immediate temporary refuge to victims of domestic violence. Unlike public facilities, their locations and contact details are kept strictly confidential to ensure resident safety.
- Access & Coordination: Admission is arranged through public consultation centers, police department referrals, or child protective services.
- Key Organization in Ehime: The non-profit NPO Sasaeru offers emergency shelter, shared housing solutions, and social reintegration counseling in Matsuyama.
The Specific Case of Single Fathers & Children
Since public Mother-Child facilities are legally gender-restricted to mothers and their children, single fathers cannot be admitted. For fathers in crisis with their children:
- Certain NPO initiatives provide gender-neutral private emergency shelters or rooms.
- Municipalities offer priority public housing applications and temporary childcare programs (子育て短期支援事業) where children can stay at a Children's Home or Infant Home for short intervals (the father cannot stay).
Official Resources for Further Research
To learn more about these support services or consult local agencies, you can access the following official websites:
Security & Confidentiality
Important - Strict Confidentiality: To guarantee the safety of the families, the exact address and precise map coordinates of the refuge are not publicly disclosed. All shelter hosting is coordinated with local support networks.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger in Japan, please dial 110 (Police) or contact emergency hotlines like #8008 (DV Consultation Navi) or the multilingual 24h hotline DV Consultation Plus.
