October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Written by Melissa Devaney

Photo provided by Safe Place for Pets

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As a company born out of love and passion for dogs and other four-legged friends, we want to highlight the little-known fact that tragically, dogs and other pets are often used as tools of leverage and control by domestic abusers. Some dogs even become victims themselves.

Such was the case for a beloved one-year old chocolate lab named Bailey Mae. She and her adoring Mom, 30-year-old Caitlyn Speck, were murdered by Caitlyn’s husband on June 5th, 2020

Caitlyn Speck and Bailey Mae @baileymae.chocolateunicorn

Statistics show that an estimated one in three women and one in four men experience some form of domestic abuse during their lifetimes. Yet only as few as 10% of domestic violence shelters accept pets. Additionally, over 70% of women in domestic violence shelters report their abusers having threatened, injured, or killed a pet as a means of control. As a result, nearly half of victims choose to stay in abusive situations rather than leave their pets behind.

Please join us in supporting organizations like Safe Place for Pets and The Purple Leash Project. Safe Place for Pets offers on and off-site housing for people and pets in need of a safe refuge from domestic violence. The website has search-by-location function that connects people with safe havens for themselves and their pets. Neely’s Nest will donate a portion of our proceeds for the month of October to Safe Place for Pets.

If you believe you’re experiencing abuse or violence in a relationship and need assistance, dial the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1.800.799.7233

There are resources available for you and your pet(s).

Update: The Purple Leash Project

 2020 was a year of trying times for many. One of the many negative consequences was a nationwide uptick in intimate partner domestic violence cases. Which is why we are encouraged by the wonderful progress recently reported by The Purple Leash Project, the amazing not-for-profit organization that addresses the lack of pet-friendly domestic violence shelters in the United States.

 In spite of last year’s many obstacles, the PLP reported significant progress, including:

~Over $800,000 raised in partnerships with brands;

~21 total grants issued to domestic violence shelters over the last 2 years that turned domestic violence shelters pet-friendly; and

~the creation of the 1st pet-friendly domestic violence shelters in Maine and West Virginia!

 To date, 48 states have at least one pet-friendly domestic violence shelters, thanks in large part to advocacy, donations, and the power of social media and organizations like Project Purple Leash!

Their goal by 2025 is to ensure at least 25 percent of domestic violence shelters across the country are pet friendly.