In the US, intimate partner violence impacts more than 12 million people every year. For many in these situations, domestic violence shelters provide essential support. But there’s a problem, says actor and philanthropist Mariska Hargitay—very few of these shelters allow people to bring their companion animals with them.
“Fewer than 20 percent of shelters allow women to bring their animals with them,” Hargitay, who has been open about her own past experiences with abuse, told Today. “We know that when a woman is in a situation like that, they rely so heavily on their pets.”
Research suggests that 94 million American households include a companion animal, and more than half of those are dogs. For some victims of abuse, these animals can also become tools of manipulation and control.
“I found out that 70 percent of women who have been abused have been threatened by their abuser to kill or injure or take away their pet,” explained Hargitay. “50 percent of women said they actually delayed leaving the abuser because they were so protective of their dog.”
RedRover
Making America’s domestic violence shelters animal-friendly
To help make a difference, Hargitay, who is also the founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation, is working with the Purple Leash Project. Co-founded by Purina and RedRover, the project aims to increase the number of animal-friendly domestic violence shelters by providing funding, training, and resources. By the end of 2025, it hopes that one-quarter of all US shelters will be companion animal friendly.
“It was something that I hadn’t thought about, but it makes so much sense,” continued Hargitay. “When a woman is being abused, the one thing that can provide comfort, that can provide a sense of safety for them, is taken from them, is just too much. The fact that they wanted to do this and really change things, to make shelters pet-friendly, was extraordinary to me. And, quite frankly, necessary.”
The Law & Order: SVU actor has been working with the Purple Leash Project for some time now. Last year, she unveiled a new statue in New York’s Times Square of a woman holding her dog on a purple leash. The statue, designed by artist Kristen Visbal and commissioned by Purina, symbolizes strength and solidarity.
Purina
Hargitay described the sculpture as “elegant, powerful, and strong,” adding that it “has a way of starting a conversation.” She continued: “This woman, taking the courageous step forward with her beloved pet, looking at her, like, ‘I got you, and I’m with you. No matter what.’”
Learn more about the Purple Leash Project here.
For more plant-based stories like this, read:
JUMP TO ... Latest News | Recipes | Guides | Health | Subscribe
Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
