More good news for domestic violence victims and their pets. The May 14, 2006, issue of the Wausau Daily Herald in Wausau, Wisconsin, features the generous partnership between the Humane Society of Marathon County and the Women's Community (an agency which provides a shelter home, 24-hour crisis line, legal advocacy, and information and support to victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault and their children).
Gina Ramsey, transitional program client advocate for the Women's Community, states, "The first year I worked here, I offered the shelter and (victims) didn't want to leave because they were afraid their animals would be abused."
Batterers abuse or kill animals for many reasons, including to punish a victim for leaving, eliminate competition for attention (remember how Borderlines are afraid of being abandoned or lose the love of their victim?) and to demonstrate power.
The program provides a temporary shelter for animals. A grant allows the Humane Society to give the animals needed immunizations as well as food. Volunteers who offer their homes as shelter are not responsible for the cost of caring for the pet.
Another worthwhile program that should be duplicated across the country.
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