Edhat published on September 11, 2022 11:26 am
Every hour of every day in the United States alone, hundreds of people and their companion animals suffer abuse. Animal cruelty is strongly correlated with violence against people, and pets are often used as “pawns” in domestic violence situations to prevent family members from speaking up or leaving the abusive relationship. In fact, survivors stay on average two years longer in a violent home if there’s a family pet involved.
This is why C.A.R.E.4Paws, Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County (DVS) and Elings Park invite the animal-loving community to Walk Against Abuse on Sunday, September 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m, at Elings Park in Santa Barbara. The inaugural event raises funds and awareness for Safe Haven, a C.A.R.E.4Paws program that provides anonymous boarding or foster care for pets of domestic violence survivors. Safe Haven was launched in 2020 alongside DVS to ensure pet owners can leave abusive partners and seek emergency shelter through DVS or a similar agency without fearing for the safety and well-being of their beloved pets.
Walk Against Abuse includes a dog walk through beautiful Elings Park (starting at noon), fun activities, food, music and a presentation about how Safe Haven prevents suffering and saves lives, as well as how to become a Safe Haven foster family. Entry is $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Plus, community members and local businesses can choose from several sponsorship opportunities that help pay for Safe Haven expenses, such as pet boarding fees, animal training, pet food, vaccines, spays/neuters, medical care and pet housing deposits for four-legged clients.
“Everywhere around us, people and pets are harmed daily by a family member,” says C.A.R.E.4Paws’ cofounder and executive director Isabelle Gullo, who explains that domestic violence crosses all social and economic boundaries and, when it comes to animal cruelty, especially, most cases are never reported. “Safe Haven provides a much-needed refuge for vulnerable pets, while giving their loving owners a chance to escape the abuse. We’re very excited about our inaugural Walk Against Abuse, as the event allows the community to come together to raise awareness and support for a truly critical program.”
Many Safe Haven pets stay with C.A.R.E.4Paws for several months or sometimes longer than a year, as it is difficult for survivors to rebuild their lives, let alone find pet-friendly housing. In addition to DVS, other program collaborators include the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office Victim-Witness Assistance Program and Good Samaritan Shelters, whose advocates are trained to help survivors of abuse. Survivors can also contact C.A.R.E.4Paws directly for help.
“DVS is grateful for our partnership with C.A.R.E.4Paws to provide safe and loving foster care for the pets of survivors during one of the most difficult times in their lives,” says Domestic Violence Solutions’ executive director Marilyn Simon-Gersuk. “It’s vital to DVS that our clients’ families, including their pets, have access to supportive care. Safe Haven ensures that survivors have peace of mind knowing that their beloved pets are safe.”
To learn more about the event and ticket/sponsor options, visit the Walk Against Abuse event website. For more information about C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Safe Haven program, visit care4paws.org/safehaven or contact C.A.R.E.4Paws at info@care4paws.org or 805-968-2273.