Pets and Domestic Violence: Pet-Friendly DV Shelters
Manage episode 380616748 series 3444519
SUMMARY
Mandi, the podcast host, shares a heartbreaking story of Caitlin and her dog losing their lives, due to domestic violence, emphasizing the urgent need for help. There is a lack of pet-friendly shelters for domestic violence victims, but there are organizations working to make more domestic violence shelters pet-friendly. There are a few resources for victims seeking safety with their pets that most people don't know about.
This episode underscores the importance of providing options for victims with pets and the necessity of change in domestic violence shelters to ensure the safety of both survivors and their pets so they can heal together in safety.
LESSONS LEARNED
Only 17% of domestic violence shelters accommodate pets but that number is rising!
The interconnected bonds between pets and their people affects safety of victims as they often delay leaving not knowing where to get to safety WITH their pet
Victims need to seek help promptly, such as calling 911 or TheHotline.org (1-800-799-7233).
Red Rover's goal is to make 25% of domestic violence shelters pet-friendly by 2025 signifies proactive efforts for positive change.
There are MULTIPLE resources, expanding awareness about available support systems beyond Red Rover.
Victims can get to safety by using another phone, dialing 211 for discreet access to the hotline, and calling 911 for life-threatening situations.
This is going to take collaborative efforts between organizations, communities, and individuals to improve victims being able to get to safety WITH their companion pets.
RESOURCES
Caitlyn Speck and Bailey Mae’s story
Purple Leash Project with Purina and RedRover
Safe Havens For Pets mapping project to find a pet-friendly DV shelter
Greyboy Pet Portraits website and Instagram or Facebook for a smile!
If you'd like to help sustain this podcast project to help empower others too, buy your host a coffee. Coffee Cheers!
You can find Mandi on Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared to message her.
Her website is WomenAwareAndPrepared.com where you can contact her or sign up for her weekly Tuesday Tip emails (at the bottom of the website) to stay safer and feel more empowered. You’ll receive a downloadable list of Mandi’s favorite 10 things to do to stay safer.
Music by Andrea Hamilton Binley at HopefulPop.com.
The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.
73 episodes