Free shelter services and veterinary care are available for the animals of domestic violence victims in Monroe County.
The Purple Ribbon Animal Services Fund (PRAS) is a group of anonymous volunteers working with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department to help provide shelter and veterinary care for animals as their owners escape domestic violence situations. The purple ribbon is an awareness symbol for domestic violence.
According to the fund’s organizers, an estimated 40-50% of domestic violence victims will delay leaving abusive relationships because they are unable to bring their pets with them.
Many victims with pets will not leave without them and some may return to the abuser because they are concerned for their pet’s safety.
Organizers of the fund said there are no shelters in Monroe County that will host a victim and their animals. The fund is for residents of Monroe County. The team works with other local, anonymous businesses to obtain the support they need for large and small animals.
“Purple Ribbon Animal Services is a special project fund within the Community Foundation of Monroe County which is a 501,” said Valerie Orr, executive director executive of the Community Foundation of Monroe County “Through establishing this fund I learned many domestic violence survivors do not leave their situation because of their animals and that’s not something we talk about. It’s important for these folks to know they are not alone and there is support out there.”
National surveys report 97% of survivors consider keeping their pets with them an important factor when seeking shelter, and nearly half would not consider going to a shelter if their pets could not accompany them.
“This is the gap that the Purple Ribbon Animal Services Fund is working to close,” the organizers said. “By addressing this critical barrier, programs like the Purple Ribbon Animal Services Fund are not only protecting animals, but they are also helping to break the cycle of abuse.”
Locally, the fund extends its care to both large and small animals, working with a group of volunteers, veterinarians and community partners to provide temporary shelter, treatment and safety for animals while their owners seek refuge.
Organizers say partnering with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, Family Counseling and Shelter Services of Monroe County and other local anonymous businesses and volunteers creates a coordinated network of protection for both people and animals during moments of crisis.
Due to the safety concerns, anonymity is a priority. Volunteers will never know the name of a victim, and no victim ever knows the names of volunteers. Safe and confidential access is available by contacting the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department for the confidential PRAS helpline. There are no emails or texts.
Donations and fundraising keep the fund operating.
Funds are used for veterinary support, such as vaccinations and health certifications for survivors trying to secure housing, temporary animal housing and sheltering, transportation and coordination of sheltering services and obtaining food and other essential items for the animals.
A recent fundraiser held on Saturday, May 16 at Bennett’s Orchard in Ottawa Lake shared information about domestic violence awareness and the fund’s mission. The event raised more than $2,650 through raffles and donations.
A goat yoga session will be held at Indian Creek Zoo, 2744 Consear Road, Lambertville on June 27. Information will be posted on social media.
Anyone wishing to support the fund and donate can do so online.
— Contact reporter Lisa Vidaurri-Bowling at lvidaurribowling@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: This Monroe County fund offers safe haven for pets of domestic violence victims
Reporting by Lisa Vidaurri Bowling, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
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