Holland’s DV Survivor Story
September 30th, 2026
By Savannah Verdon, Development Manager –
After Holland* fled the abuse, all she wanted was to return home so her children could have some sense of normalcy. But despite having an order of protection, their neighbors and landlord reported that the abuser continued to stalk the neighborhood, waiting for Holland and the children. They would have to find somewhere else to call home.
Holland had suffered abuse for all twelve years of the relationship, but recently, the abuser began targeting her cats, Willy* and Edie*. With how much the cats meant to Holland and her children, the abuser knew how devastated they would be if the cats were hurt.
“Willy is my cat. She follows me everywhere in the house and is always with me. When I feel sad or anxious, she always helps me feel better with how lovey [sic] she is. Edie is all about my kids and always looking for love from them.”
Weaponising their bond with the cats against them, the abuser threw Edie down the stairs and threatened to throw her out the window next time. But Holland wasn’t going to wait for the next time; she had to protect her children and the cats now.
Before she could look for a new home for her family, Holland needed time to heal in a domestic violence shelter. The children, especially, needed a soft place to land. Even though the cats couldn’t stay with them in the shelter, their advocate had helped families like theirs before and informed Holland of the RedRover Relief Safe Escape grant program. As they got settled, they submitted their application to have Willy and Edie boarded until they could be reunited.
Their Safe Escape grant not only covered the cost of safe boarding, but the costs of a veterinary exam and vaccinations, too. They would be protected in every way in their next chapter with Holland and the children. After 60 days apart, enough time to heal physically and emotionally, Holland picked Willy and Edie up from the boarding facility on their way to their new, safe home.
Having protected another family, their shelter advocate reflected on the lifesaving difference a Safe Escape grant can make.
“RedRover’s financial support for our clients and their pets is so appreciated. It really means a safe place for our clients that you all can help their animals to have a safe place. Some people would not leave their abuser without this resource. You are saving lives.”
Together, we are saving lives. Thank you for your compassionate support of RedRover!
*Names have been changed to protect privacy
