Freeport domestic violence shelter gets grant to house survivor’s pets, too

FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO) — When someone is in a situation involving domestic violence, concerns over the well-being of their pets can make it difficult to leave an abusive household.

Voices of Stephenson County, a nonprofit that supports survivors of domestic and sexual violence, received a $38,000 grant from Red Rover, a national animal welfare nonprofit, to expand and renovate certain areas of their shelter, and provide veterinary care services.

“That’s critically important because very often when a domestic violence survivor comes into the shelter, they’re pretty much are bringing the clothes on their back. And that’s about it. And very often their pets may come and not be vaccinated. Now we have funds for those vaccinations,”

The grant money is allowing Voices to have specific, pet friendly rooms, new flooring, and walls

“It’s helping everyone in the shelter who is going through trauma. And that’s one of the things that we are keying on is we want to make this as accessible to everyone who needs the shelter services as we possibly can,”

Domestic violence survivors often bring animals with them when they seek shelter.

“Animals are important. I mean, they’re members of our family, and so survivors, to feel just that bit of comfort that they can bring their pet, and their companion with them. It helps them regain some control that often is lost in abusive situations and just feel acknowledged and safe,”