Abuse Victims Endure Violence Out of Fear for Pet Safety

RedRover helps victims escape abuse without leaving their pets behind

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- RedRover, a national animal protection nonprofit based in California, is bringing attention to the connection between animal abuse and family violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, more than 70 percent of pet-owning women entering domestic violence shelters reported that their batterer had injured, killed or threatened family pets for revenge or psychological control. As many as 40 percent of domestic violence victims are unable to escape their abusers because they fear what will happen to their pets when they leave. Only three percent of shelters can house pets on-site; a portion provide off-site housing referrals while the majority of shelters do not offer any resources at all.

RedRover offers aid to victims of domestic violence and their pets through the RedRover Relief program. This program provides financial support for veterinary care and boarding to enable domestic violence victims to leave their batterers without having to leave their pets behind.

"Sadly, many domestic violence victims stay in abusive homes because they are afraid to leave their pets," said Nicole Forsyth, RedRover President and CEO. "Their pets are often also victims of abuse, suffering from injuries and neglect. RedRover Relief Grants make it possible for victims to safely escape, reassured that their pets are protected."

Donations to the RedRover Relief program have funded critical care and shelter for animals displaced by family violence. In one case, a woman and her service dog sought shelter at a crisis center after her abuser killed her first service animal. In another case, a woman left her abusive boyfriend only because RedRover helped to ensure that she and her two dogs would be provided safe housing. A grant paid for one month of boarding for the two dogs while she began a part-time job and made plans to secure permanent housing.

Increased outreach and greater public awareness on domestic violence issues have led to a rise in applications for the RedRover Relief program. Help spread the word about pets and domestic violence by sharing a downloadable flier at www.redrover.org/?navid=816. Donations to help protect victims and their pets from domestic violence can be made online at www.redrover.org.

RedRover maintains an online directory of resources for domestic violence shelters and victims. For more information, visit www.redrover.org/domestic.

Founded in 1987, RedRover focuses on bringing animals out of crisis and into care through a variety of programs, including emergency animal sheltering and disaster relief services, financial assistance for urgent veterinary care and humane education. Learn more at www.redrover.org

SOURCE RedRover