The Purple Leash Project: Empowering Survivors and Their Furry Companions in Domestic Abuse Shelters

Here at HypePets we take the relationship between humans and animals seriously. That’s why the Purple Leash Project caught our attention. In this article, we share how they’re empowering survivors of domestic abuse and their furry companions. 

You might be surprised to learn that most shelters for people in domestic abuse situations don’t allow pets. Considering that “71% of women in domestic violence shelters report their abuser threatened, injured or killed a pet as a means of control” (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence), this is a complete outrage. Not being able to bring your dog or cat with you could impact someone’s life in a major way, like deciding to stay in a dangerous relationship or leave.

So who is working on fixing this? Keep reading to learn more. 

If Getting Help Meant Leaving Your Pet, Would You Go?

It can be hard to digest a scenario where you’d unwillingly abandon your pet. That’s the dilemma people in domestic abuse cases often face. They may need to walk away from their dangerous situation and leave their beloved pet behind. 

One of the main reasons is that many domestic abuse shelters for humans aren’t equipped to take animals too. Currently, only about 15% of all domestic violence shelters accept pets, too. This results in some people not leaving an abusive situation because they don’t want to leave their pets. They’d rather tough it out because their pet is like family, and staying can result in more harm or even death. Studies also show that abusers of humans are more likely to hurt animals as well and vice versa. Worse, the abusive person may use the pet as leverage to keep the person around or to hurt them more.

It doesn’t have to be that way. The Purple Leash Project is empowering individuals and organizations to make sustainable changes to help humans and pets.

What Is the Purple Leash Project? 

The Purple Leash Project is a remarkable initiative aimed at raising awareness and addressing the critical issue of domestic violence and its impact on pets. Their goal is to see 25% of all U.S. domestic violence shelters become pet-friendly by 2025. The project is a program of the non-profit organization called RedRover, and they partnered with Purina in 2019 to launch it. 

The project recognizes the strong bond between humans and their animal companions. It acknowledges that many victims of domestic violence hesitate to leave abusive situations due to concerns about their pets’ safety. 

The Purple Leash Project seeks to provide resources, education, and support to domestic violence shelters, enabling them to accommodate both human and pet survivors. By funding renovations and enhancements to shelter facilities, promoting pet-friendly policies, and offering training programs, they aim to create safe havens where people can seek refuge with their beloved pets. Fostering a compassionate and inclusive environment that recognizes the vital role pets play in healing and recovery is their goal.

Fun Facts: Think our pets don’t need us as much as we need them? Think again! Learn the reasons dogs love to lay on us.

What Is RedRover?

RedRover’s mission is to “bring animals out of crisis and strengthen the bond between people and animals through emergency sheltering, disaster-relief services, financial assistance, and education.” They do this with the help of volunteers, financial supporters, partnerships, and online networking via social media and more. 

Besides the Purple Leash Project, RedRover has programs that teach empathy through the use of horses and other animals. They educate young and old to be resilient, be strong, and ask for help. For example, they have a story-based, animal-themed school curriculum. 

Which Pet Food Manufacturer Supports the Purple Leash Project? 

Purina supports the Purple Leash Project. As a partner, the pet food manufacturer helps financially, provides resources, and spreads awareness on the subject matter of domestic violence. They’re an advocate for humans and animals. As a big-name brand, they’re able to have a massive impact but our help is still needed. Check out specific ways you can help on the Purina website such as donating to shelters’ wish lists.  

The Amazing Work of the Purple Leash Project to Help Domestic Violence Shelters

Now let’s get into the specifics of the amazing work the Purple Leash Project is doing. They’re being a voice for those often looked at as the voiceless. They create solutions and empower people through grants, volunteering, awareness, and staff training.

Provides Grants

The Purple Leash Project provides grants to shelters to help them become pet-friendly. It can take a lot of resources and potential infrastructure changes to a building. For example, grants can help expand a shelter to make make a section pet-friendly, as some people staying there may be allergic to animals. Domestic shelters will also need to have an outdoor area for dogs to potty. Facility cleanliness and liability insurance are also common concerns for organizations considering a switch.

None of this is impossible, but money can be a hurdle. That’s why grants are so vital. Transforming a shelter into a pet-friendly space can be an excellent way to revitalize a shelter’s image into a shiny place with pets. Additionally, having pets around may even become a source of therapy to more than just their owner.

Equips Volunteers

The project also equips volunteers. Shelters rely on outside funds and volunteers to help make their programs run and keep their buildings in good condition. The Purple Leash Project teaches volunteers what a pet-friendly space looks like and how it operates, and provides support to those volunteers who want to help the people and the pet survivors of domestic violence.

Raises Awareness

Raising awareness is key for any project. The Purple Leash Project is bringing awareness to the topic of domestic abuse and the need for pet-friendly shelters. They’re ensuring that communities know the importance. You can help them today by simply telling one more person about their project.

Some of the amazing statistics they’ve been able to uncover about the link between domestic violence and pets are as follows:

• 47% of domestic violence (DV) survivors delay leaving abusers due to their pets
• 25% of DV survivors return to abusers because they had to leave a pet behind
• 57% of homeless women cite DV as the primary cause 
• Only 15% of DV shelters have on-site pet programs

It isn’t rocket science to see the clear gap in support resources for domestic violence victims and their pets.

Trains Shelter Staff

The Purple Leash Project trains shelter staff and provides them with resources for pet-friendly and safe environments. Instead of just telling shelters they need to take pets too, they empower them to know what to do in certain situations. Some staff may not have experience with animals, or the emotional bond between a person and their animal. Things like where to put litter boxes for cats and other basics will help them better serve people and pets that stay in their shelters. Their goal is to make sure staff are equipped to run a pet-friendly shelter in an impactful, safe, and secure way.

Pro Tip: Learn how other organizations, like Michigan Humane, are advocating for pet-friendly domestic violence shelters.

How Has the Purple Leash Project Helped Domestic Violence Survivors? 

The Purple Leash Project of RedRover has a goal to see 25 percent of U.S. domestic violence shelters become pet-friendly by 2025. this is a 10% increase over current numbers. They’re helping survivors by making this a reality, so they can keep their animals with them. It’s similar to shelters that allow a person to keep their children with them.

A donor and family member of a domestic abuse victim said this: “I lost my sister to domestic violence, she stayed with her husband because she didn’t want to leave her big dogs.”

Here’s what a domestic violence survivor and current donor had to say about the project: “This program is so incredibly important. I loved my dog but lost her because I had to leave. It’s so good to see that this doesn’t have to happen to victims anymore. Please don’t stop until every domestic violence shelter is pet-friendly. Please.” 

The Purple Leash Project is changing lives. But there’s a lot of work to be done. 

How Can You Support the Purple Leash Project? 

You can help support the project and change human and animal lives. There are multiple ways to get involved, but one of our favorites is becoming a monthly donor. With a recurring gift of $5 a month or more (or a one-time gift of $60 or more), you get their limited-edition leash or cat collar featuring the Purple Leash Project motto: Walk. Heal. Together.

They also have a downloadable flyer that you can print and pass on to others. Or hang one in the break room at your place of employment. 

Spread the Word: Help Make Domestic Abuse Shelters Pet-Friendly with the Purple Leash Project

Help spread the word about the Purple Leash Project to make more domestic abuse shelters pet-friendly. Being displaced out of your home is one thing, but doing so without your beloved pet can make a trying situation a thousand times worse. We’re so grateful for organizations like the Purple Leash Project that empower survivors and work with shelters to ensure the healing powers of an animal. 

If you’re in an abusive situation, call the Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). It’s a safe, secure line that’s open 24/7.