By Charlotte Culberson | Board of Directors Member
What About the Pets?
The Purple Paw Project
Statistics clearly show that domestic violence offenders often have a pattern of abuse involving all members of the household – spouses, children and pets. Victims of domestic violence who seek to escape their abusers and find shelter for themselves and their children often do not know what to do with their beloved pets because many shelters do not have the means to housethem. As a result, many victims remain in abusive homes out of fear--fear of subjecting their animals to possible cruelty if left behind. Friends of Animals Utah (FOAU), a non-profit organization, has a solution for this problem: The Purple Paw Project.
Launched in 2012, and funded through grants and a significant private donation, The Purple Paw Project offers support services to domestic violence victims when they seek sanctuary in a shelter that is unable to accept pets. Initially partnering with the Summit County Domestic Violence Coalition, the program is now available to every domestic violence shelter in Northern Utah. The project provides a temporary home for the pets, allowing victims and their children to seek shelter, medical treatment, and counseling along with assurance that their pets are safe. For the entire period that the client is a resident at a domestic violence shelter, FOAU provides boarding, food, water, medication, daily socialization and exercise for the pet--free of charge. FOAU also accepts animals any time, day or night. When the family finds a safe living situation, their pet is returned to them. Unfortunately, pets may have to be relinquished by their owners. FOAU will then find new homes for them.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence cites alarming statistics, including the following: 71% of pet owners entering domestic violence shelters report that their batterer had threatened, injured, or killed family pets; 85% of domestic violence shelters report that they commonly encounter women who speak about pet abuse incidents; 52% of victims in shelters left their pets with their batterers; and abusers may harm pets to punish the victim for leaving or in attempts to coerce him/her to return. For these reasons and more, FOAU is committed to providing support for the victims of domestic abuse, their families, and their pets.
Since its inception in 2012, The Purple Paw Project has provided assistance to many families in Utah victimized by
domestic violence. Starting with 2-4 pets per month, the program has grown with as many as 5 pets being sheltered at a time. In the first year of the program, FOAU provided 843 shelter/nights of safety and care for these pets. The pets are typically housed between one week to 4 months depending on the situation. Additionally, FOAU will treat those pets needing medical care at no charge. To help relieve their stress and fear, families may visit their pets, taking their dog for a walk or cuddling with their cat.
By Lisa Allison | Executive Director
By Lisa Allison | Executive Director
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