The Impact of Pet Ownership on Domestic Abuse Survivors

Many domestic abuse survivors face significant challenges when attempting to leave their situations, with almost half delaying their escape primarily due to the inability to take their pets. This connection highlights the emotional bond between individuals and their pets, serving as a crucial support system during traumatic times. The Purple Leash Project was initiated to address this gap by creating pet-friendly domestic violence shelters, thus enabling survivors to escape abusive environments while ensuring their pets' safety and well-being. This initiative aims to reduce one of the barriers that many victims encounter, making it easier for them to seek help and find stable refuge.