Shocking PSA puts pets and domestic violence in the spotlight
May 2nd, 2014
As an organization working to bring animals from crisis to care, RedRover takes pride in celebrating the success of other groups working to help animals and people.
The Spot Abuse ad campaign that launched out of Milwaukee this week has taken a progressive approach to helping victims and their pets escape violence. According to StopAbuse.org, “The premise is that if more people can be convinced to dial 911 when they suspect animal abuse, that the police will then have the opportunity to uncover a higher number of domestic violence cases.”
Based on the startling statistic that 76% of animal abusers also abuse a human family member (the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys), the campaign encourages community members to dial 911 when they witness animal abuse. The Spot Abuse Project collaborated with the Milwaukee Police Department by training its telecommunication and dispatch staff to ask their callers the right questions to determine whether or not animal abuse is taking place in the home.
The goal of this collaborative effort is to put the perpetrators hurting Milwaukee’s pets and people behind bars. In the United States 70% of domestic violence cases go unreported each year, and animal abuse is generally easier to report. When animal abuse is reported, there is a higher chance of domestic abuse being discovered as well. RedRover commends the efforts of the Spot Abuse Project as they work to increase reporting and prosecution and strive to keep pets and people safe.
RedRover offers programs for victims who need an immediate safe escape with their pets when they are fleeing a violent situation.
• Learn about RedRover’s work to help families and pets safely escape domestic violence together
• Does your state have a SAF-T shelter? Check to see the resources available in your state.
• Check out Harbor House, the single SAF-T shelter in Wisconsin.
• For more on The Spot Abuse Project and to watch the PSA.
TRIGGER WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
