It is often difficult for victims of intimate partner violence to leave their abusers for complex reasons. What you may not think of is consideration for pets.
A 2021 research review shows a link between violence against animals and intimate partner violence. Abusers often threaten or harm pets as a means of hurting and controlling their partners. Pets can then be used as leverage to force survivors to stay or return.
A coalition of Twin Cities shelters and animal welfare organizations have teamed up to launch a new emergency foster care program. These include Women's Advocates, Cornerstone, Tubman, The Bond Between, and Four Winds Connections.
Joining MPR News host Kathy Werther are Maggie Schmitz, marketing director for The Bond Between, and Paula, a Survivor Advisory Board member for Women's Advocates (she is identified by her first name only for security reasons). ) will also be joining us to talk about the program.
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Those who would like to help can fill out an interest form to foster or adopt at the Minnesota Pet Foster Coalition.
If you are interested in fostering, please fill out this form.
If you are living in an unsafe situation, you can call the Minnesota Day One Hotline to speak to an advocate who can help. Call 1-866-223-1111 or text 612-399-9995.
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