RedRover Grants $20,000 To Monroe County Humane Association To House Pets Of Domestic Violence Victims

(BLOOMINGTON) – The Monroe County Humane Association was recently awarded a RedRover® Relief Safe Housing grant, enabling their E Susan Bartlett Emergency Housing Center, on their Animal Care Campus, to increase security for the on-site housing for pets of domestic violence victims.

RedRover, a national nonprofit organization based in Sacramento, California, provides grants for financial assistance and support for victims of domestic violence through its RedRover Relief program, enabling domestic violence victims to safely escape abusive situations with their pets.

In November, the Monroe County Humane Association was awarded a $20,000 grant from RedRover to support increased security measures and facility improvements for cats and dogs for their on-site housing center for pets of domestic violence victims, with the focus on keeping both pets and MCHA staff safe while animals are in their care.

The MCHA Animal Care Campus, 791 S Fieldstone Blvd., is home to their nonprofit veterinary clinic, Pet Food and Supply Pantry, the E Susan Bartlett Emergency Pet Housing Center, and dog-friendly walking trails.

In partnership with local law enforcement agencies, domestic violence shelters, social workers, and medical facilities, MCHA’s E Susan Bartlett Emergency Pet Housing Center provides emergency and short-term housing for pets of domestic violence.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, more than 70 percent of pet-owning women entering domestic violence shelters reported that their batterer had injured, killed, or threatened family pets for revenge or psychological control.

As many as 65 percent of domestic violence victims are unable to escape their abusers because they fear what will happen to their pets when they leave.

According to Sheltering Animals and Families Together(SAF-T), a national initiative that guides family violence shelters on how to welcome families with pets, only a fraction of the 2,500 domestic violence shelters in the United States report having the ability to house animals onsite.

“Sadly, many domestic violence victims stay in abusive homes because they are afraid to leave their pets,” said Nicole Forsyth, RedRover President, and CEO. “Their pets are often also victims of abuse, suffering from injuries, and neglect. RedRover’s Safe Housing grants make it possible for victims to receive life-saving sheltering services, reassured that their pets are protected.”

MCHA Animal Care Campus

E Susan Bartlett Emergency Housing Center

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