Gretchen’s DV Survivor Story

By Savannah Verdon, Development Manager –

Gretchen* and Magic* were as close as a lady and her cat could be. He played a huge role in Gretchen and her daughter’s lives for 11 years, becoming a member of the family on her daughter’s third birthday after he’d been roaming nearby for days. He became even more important after Gretchen was diagnosed with cancer. Magic was by her side all the time. She even carried around a picture of him after her hair started falling out during chemotherapy.

Every day that Gretchen lived with a stage three cancer diagnosis, she also had to endure domestic violence at home. When Gretchen fled, only she and her daughter were able to go. Magic stayed behind in the violent home. While they were apart, she feared the abuser would leave her cat outside to fend for himself. She was so worried about Magic that she couldn’t focus on her or her daughter’s needs while they were in the domestic violence shelter. Her advocate could see that this family needed something more.

Their shelter advocate found the RedRover Relief Safe Escape grant on the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s list of resources for families with pets. They worked with Gretchen to apply right away. Not only would Magic need to be boarded, but he would also need to be brought up to date on all his vaccinations, something that had fallen behind while Gretchen was sick. She could have peace of mind that he was safe and healthy again, at no cost to her or her daughter. With Magic protected, they could finally focus on their healing.

It took time to find the right pet-inclusive long-term housing for their family, but soon, Gretchen and Magic were reunited in their new home together. This year, they could celebrate her daughter’s birthday in peace – the anniversary of when they became a family. After helping this family in their moment of crisis, their advocate shared:

“This meant the world to her and her daughter, that they were able to know their Magic, who has been in their family for ever a decade, was just as safe as they were, and that they did not have to worry about him being outside while they were in shelter.”

At such a vulnerable time as leaving domestic violence, no survivor should have to choose between their safety and their pet. Because of your support, survivors have immediate options like the RedRover Relief Safe Escape grant program to protect themselves and their pets, and the only thing they have left to choose is how they will begin their new lives together. Thank you for keeping families like Gretchen and Magic together!

*Names have been changed to protect privacy

P.S. Please consider making a Safe Escape possible for every survivor with a generous gift today.