97% of domestic violence survivors say that concern about leaving a pet was a factor in their decision to leave an abusive situation. Yet, only 17% of domestic violence shelters accept pets.
Emergency sheltering for victims of domestic violence is a critical need. Not everyone has access to the homes of family or friends as a means to find safety.
Not enough shelters in New Jersey allow pets. And that needs to change.
This is an issue the Community Foundation of New Jersey has leaned into thanks to a generous donor, Karen Lindemann, who left CFNJ a bequest that was designed to ensure that considerations around pets would not stop survivors from seeking help. In Karen’s memory, the Community Foundation has launched an ambitious goal to ensure that at least one domestic violence shelter in each of New Jersey’s 21 counties is outfitted to include survivors and their pets.
Important Links:
New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence https://njcedv.org/
180 Turning Lives Around https://redrover.org/the-purple-leash-project/
Red Rover https://redrover.org/
Red Rover Purple Leash Project https://redrover.org/the-purple-leash-project/
20 by 2025 - 25% of domestic violence shelters become pet friendly by 2025 https://25by2025.org/
NJ Statewide Domestic Violence Helpline: 1-800-572-SAFE (7233)