‘First program of its kind in southern Illinois’: Belleville animal shelter fosters pets to help domestic abuse victims
Belleville animal shelter helping pets, domestic abuse victims | ksdk.com KSDK.com
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A Partnership Providing Shelter for Pets of Domestic Violence Survivors
A partnership between the Belleville Area Humane Society and the Violence Prevention Center provides a haven for pets of domestic violence survivors.
Introduction
A Belleville animal shelter is helping survivors of domestic abuse by fostering their fur babies while they recover.
The Need for Assistance
- Leaving pets can weigh on domestic violence victims.
- Many domestic violence shelters don’t accept pets.
The Safe Pets Program
The Belleville Area Humane Society created the “Safe Pets Program,” the first of its kind in southern Illinois, to provide temporary care and a haven for pets of domestic violence survivors. This program aims to address the significant issue of domestic violence victims being unable to leave their abusers due to concerns for the safety of their pets.
Partnership with the Violence Prevention Center
The Belleville Area Humane Society partnered with the Violence Prevention Center, a domestic violence shelter in Belleville, to implement the Safe Pets Program.
The Impact of Pets on Domestic Violence Survivors
Domestic violence victims often choose to stay in abusive situations to protect their pets from harm. The Safe Pets Program offers survivors a choice by providing a safe place for their pets while they seek safety and support.
Providing Comprehensive Care
The Violence Prevention Center contacts the Belleville Area Humane Society through their crisis hotline if a survivor needs shelter for their pet. The Humane Society not only provides temporary care but also covers necessary medical treatments, such as vaccinations and spaying/neutering, free of charge.
Duration of the Safe Pets Program
The Safe Pets Program ensures the safety and well-being of the animals for a minimum of 90 days, with the possibility of extending the care period up to six months.
Reunification and Future Goals
The ultimate goal of the Safe Pets Program is to reunite the pets with their owners. The Belleville Area Humane Society takes joy in witnessing the special moments when animals are reunited with their owners, emphasizing the importance of keeping people and their pets together.
Spreading Awareness
Despite being in operation for three years, many people are unaware of the Safe Pets Program. The Belleville Area Humane Society aims to spread awareness about this program to ensure that no domestic abuse survivor avoids leaving an unsafe situation due to concerns for their pet.
How to Seek Help
- If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence in the Metro East area and is considering leaving but doesn’t want to leave your pet behind, you can call the Violence Prevention Center’s 24-hour crisis hotline at 618-235-0892.
Additional Resources
- For more information on the Violence Prevention Center’s 24-hour crisis hotline and resources, click here.
- To donate to the violence shelter, click here.
- For more information on how to donate to the Belleville Area Humane Society, click here.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
- SDG 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of domestic violence survivors who are able to access temporary care and shelter for their pets.
- Number of pets of domestic violence survivors provided with temporary care and a safe haven.
- Number of pets that receive necessary shots, medication, and spaying/neutering through the program.
- Duration of temporary care provided to pets (minimum of 90 days, up to six months).
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. | – Number of domestic violence survivors who are able to access temporary care and shelter for their pets. – Number of pets of domestic violence survivors provided with temporary care and a safe haven. – Number of pets that receive necessary shots, medication, and spaying/neutering through the program. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. | – Number of domestic violence survivors who are able to access temporary care and shelter for their pets. – Number of pets of domestic violence survivors provided with temporary care and a safe haven. – Duration of temporary care provided to pets (minimum of 90 days, up to six months). |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: ksdk.com
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