It takes a village to help victims and their pets
November 3rd, 2015
Each week here at RedRover, we receive requests for help for pets of people facing domestic violence. The RedRover Safe Escape program provides financial assistance to place pets in a safe enviornment, such as a boarding facility, while their family resides safely at a domestic violence shelter.
We received this letter from a family violence advocate, telling the story of Elizabeth* and her pets. Elizabeth and her family wouldn’t be safe and sound today without your support – thank you!
Dear RedRover,
I’m writing to say a heart-felt thank you for sheltering one of my client’s pets while she prepared herself for a safe, new life. In my opinion, you helped save her life. Elizabeth* first called our agency from a motel in another city. She was terrified to come back to the city because she was being trafficked by someone she trusted and he was waiting for her return. She thought about escaping, but did not know what her options were, especially considering she would not leave her pets. Her trafficker had threatened to kill them – and we both believed him. While on the surface it may seem silly to put your pet’s life ahead of your own, her dog was a childhood pet and the remaining connection to a mother that she had lost. I knew that the only way to place Elizabeth in a safe-house was to guarantee her pet’s safety, too.
I didn’t even know RedRover existed but am so glad we found you! While Elizabeth thrived in her domestic violence transitional housing program – you went above and beyond to ensure that her pets would be her companions when she completed the program. Without a doubt, your services contributed to her success. At our agency, we are very grateful for the work you do. Helping women leave abusive and manipulative environments is very difficult and really does “take a village.” We count you as a valuable part of our community. Thank you.
*Name changed to protect identity
Your support of RedRover’s Safe Escape and Safe Housing programs means pets and people can stay safe from domestic violence – together. Donate now
