The majority of domestic violence victims delay or refuse to leave abusive homes because they’re afraid to leave their pets. Now, you can help them.
Studies show there’s an established link between domestic violence and animal abuse. Abusive partners often seek to manipulate or intimidate their victims by threatening or harming their pets.
That can lead to an agonizing choice.
“Statistically, it is reported that up to 65% of domestic violence victims will delay or refuse leaving an abusive home out of fear of leaving their pets behind,” says Circle of Hope Executive Director Suzanne Dow. She adds, “85% of women entering domestic violence shelters reported their partner had threatened, injured or killed their pets.”
Despite those statistics, only 3% of domestic violence shelters across the country accept pets.
Circle of Hope is one of them.
Sheltering pets, saving lives
In 2014, the local nonprofit opened a pet kennel at its emergency shelter. They’ve housed many pets since then.
Sheltering pets has made it possible for Circle of Hope to help save more lives. “Prior to having a pet shelter at the emergency shelter many victims did not flee the dangerous situation because they did not want to leave their pets behind,” says Dow. The problem is, once women leave the shelter for transitional housing there’s nowhere for their pets to go. “The Transitional Housing facility is currently not equipped to house victims’ animals,” she says.
Now, Circle of Hope is raising money to change that.
The agency wants to buy an outdoor pet kennel for its transitional housing facility in Stephens County. The agency also wants to purchase six pet crates for indoor animals.
The total estimated price tag for the project is $4,000.
The North Georgia Community Foundation recently awarded a Community Impact Grant to Circle of Hope to cover half the cost.
Circle of Hope still needs donations.
“This funding will be used to fund a pet kennel at the transitional housing facility so those transitioning from emergency shelter to this program can continue to receive support with their pets safely in their care,” says Dow.
If you would like to support Circle of Hope’s kennel project or its ongoing operating costs, you can make a donation online at www.gacircleofhope.org.
