Urban Resource Institute Publishes White Paper on Domestic Violence and Pets

Since 2013, the Urban Resource Institute’s program URIPALS (People and Animals Living Safely) has helped families with pets escape domestic violence and enter shelter together.  Now the Institute has published a white paper exploring the connection between domestic violence and pet abuse.  Excerpts from the report follow: 

The connection between domestic violence and pet abuse is very real, and in many cases, pet ownership becomes a barrier to safety because of the survivor’s unwillingness to leave their pet behind. The choice in many cases is forced because there are few programs that allow survivors of domestic violence to bring their pets with them when entering a shelter.  This reality points to a great need both in New York City and nationally for more services for domestic violence survivors who are pet owners. It is vital for domestic violence service providers, animal advocates, funders and government partners to work together to support the growth of programs like URIPALS in order to ensure that people are able to leave an abusive environment with their entire family—pets included.

 

 

Leveraging findings from URIPALS, the white paper reveals:

• Insights from pet owners and survivors of domestic violence
• Recommendations for building a co-sheltering model, where people and pets are able to live together in shelter
• Current barriers to safety for pet owners seeking shelter