Between 70 and 50% of women experiencing domestic violence, also reported that their abuser had threatened, injured, or even killed one or more of their pets, according to a recent study.  Three-quarters of this domestic violence against animals occurs in the presence of children.  In a statistic that can only be described as heart breaking, half of surveyed children said that they tried to protect the family pets, some even directy intervening to prevent harm.

A victims' love of her pets may be used as a weapon against her, ultimately delaying or preventing her from leaving an abusive relationship.  As many as 40% of all domestic violeence victims are unable to escape their abusers because they are worried about what will happen to their pets when they leave, and taking their pets with them is rarely an option as fewer than 12% of domestic violence shelters provide space for pets.  Some victims report living in their cars for months while wwaiting for one of the precious sports in a pet-acommodating shelter to become available.  Meanwhile, 50% of women in domestic violence shelters report leaving their pets behind in order to escape abuse, and they remain distraught over their decision.

The Kindness Collective hopes to change these statistics.  Our first initiative aims to work with domestic violence shelters, providing the necessary support and funding to permit domestic violence victims to seek safety with their pets.  The Kindness Collective will work to establish safe havens for survivors and their pets, ultimately changing - and saving - lives.  If you would like more information, or would like to support us in this endeavor, please contact us at info@kindnesscollective.org.