Domestic Violence Shelter First in Maine to Become Pet-Friendly

Safe Voices, the domestic violence resource center serving Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties will become the first pet-friendly domestic violence shelter in Maine!  That is great!  This is happening because of grants from RedRover + Purina Purple Leash Project and GreaterGood.org! (more about each of these wonderful groups at the bottom of the post)

The bigger goal in all of this to make sure there is at least one pet-friendly domestic violence shelter in every state by the end of 2020.  I understand there are only a handful of states to go to meet that goal.

Let's face it domestic violence effect all members of the family and I can also relate to the feelings some my have to not leave it it means leaving a pet behind.   “We know abusers will often use threats of harm or actual violence toward animals to control their partners. Concern for the safety of a beloved family pet may prevent a victim from leaving an abusive situation all together,” said Elise Johansen, executive director of Safe Voices. “Making our shelter space more accessible for people with pets allows us to help more families in need.”

This level of love and compassion just makes my heart happy.

About RedRover: Since 1987, RedRover has focused on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the human-animal bond through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance and humane education. Through their RedRover Relief program, they have helped thousands of animals and provided thousands of safe nights across the United States. With more than 4,000 trained volunteers in the United States and Canada, RedRover can deploy its volunteers quickly when communities become overburdened by a crisis involving large numbers of animals or to help a domestic violence shelter build pet-friendly spaces onsite. To learn how RedRover is building a more compassionate future, visit https://redrover.org/.

About Purina: Nestlé Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestlé Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A., a global leader in nutrition, health and wellness. Subscribe here to get the latest Purina news.

About GreaterGood.org: GreaterGood.org is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that works to improve the health and well-being of people, pets, and the planet. Over the last 10 years, GreaterGood.org has given more than $175 million in cash, and in-kind grants to over 5,000 charitable partners worldwide. GreaterGood.org’s Rescue Rebuild is a renovation program that builds animal spaces at animal shelters, wildlife sanctuaries, domestic violence shelters and homeless shelters. The program recruits volunteers from all over the country to help pets and people in need.

About Safe Voices: Safe Voices is the domestic violence resource center serving Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties in Maine. Established in 1977, Safe Voices offers emergency shelter and housing services, a 24-hour Helpline, civil and criminal court advocacy, support groups, community education and a Violence Intervention Program for people who choose to abuse.