AnimalsJUN 5, 2019

My Country Raised $250,000 In 7 Days For A Pet Refuge For Domestic Violence Victims

I live in New Zealand, and my country has recently fundraised for a pet refuge. We have organisations like the SPCA, Cat Protection League, and New Lives Animal Rescue, but this pet refuge has an exciting point of difference.

It is designed to house the pets of victims of domestic abuse while their owners find new, safe homes to live in! Here are some of the designs of the new Pet Refuge, which will be housed in a safe location in Auckland.

The latest research on domestic abuse survivors in New Zealand found some shocking facts:

53% delayed leaving family violence out of fear for their pet’s safety

23% had an animal killed by their partner

73% would have found it easier to leave if there was a shelter offering temporary accommodation for their pets

Julie Chapman is the Founder and CEO of KidsCan, a charity to support New Zealand kids living in poverty with necessities like school lunches and shoes. As soon as the research came out that some people experiencing family violence delay leaving, out of fear for their pets' lives, Julie felt compelled to start a brand new charity project - and Pet Refuge was born.

So, she developed a plan to remove one of the major barriers here for women to leave violent situations.

Julie says, “For many people, pets are family. For victims of domestic violence, they provide real solace. Leaving them behind with an abusive partner just isn’t an option. We hope that if victims know their pets will be well looked after while they escape, it will remove a barrier to them leaving.”

Forty-one per cent of victims in the survey said they or their children had been made to watch their pet be hurt by their partner.

The abuse described was terrifying - loved family pets being punched, kicked, choked, stabbed, drowned, put in microwaves, run over. Often the abuse would happen while the family members were forced to watch but unable to intervene.

Although Aotearoa New Zealand has some wonderful refuge companies for people, especially women, in distress, unfortunately most cannot house animals. Many people leaving domestic violence can't initially rent or pay for boarding where they could take their loved animals.

This new shelter will be completely free, and will house pets such as cats, dogs, birds, rabbits and other small animals. Large farm animals will be supported in a network of safe farms that have put their hand up to help. The animals can stay until their family is able to find a safe, violence free home they can take their pets.

Within a week of the idea breaking the news, thousands of kiwis put money towards the Pet Refuge, to get it off the ground. With the money raised, the Pet Refuge will be able to start being built and start helping people and the animals they love.

It's just one way among many that kiwis are showing that we don't accept hate or violence, and are working to stop it in our communities. If you want, you can continue to donate to the cause at www.petrefuge.org.nz

Or donate to your local abuse survivor shelter in your country.

Are you experiencing domestic violence?

If you're in danger now:

• Phone the police on 111, 911, or ask neighbours of friends to ring for you.

• Run outside and head for where there are other people.

• Scream for help so that your neighbours can hear you.

• Take the children with you.

• Don't stop to get anything else.

• If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay

Where to go for help or more information:

(use private browsing if you're worried about your partner viewing your search history)

• Women's Refuge: www.womensrefuge.org.nz