Written by/Media Contact: Jamie Roth, Community Services & Public Relations Director
Domestic Violence can happen to anyone, and sometimes animals are used as a means to control others in abusive relationships. It is not uncommon for domestic abusers to threaten harm or kill beloved household pets when their victims are not compliant or threaten to leave the relationship. For many households, pets are another member of the family. Often, the thought of leaving those pets in imminent danger leads some people to feel forced to stay with a violent partner or family member.
With October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, counselors and advocates of WIRC-Community Action Agency’s (WIRC-CAA) Victim Services department are hosting an empowering event for pet parents to show they pledge to speak out against domestic violence and will believe someone if they say they are being abused.
The annual Pets Against Domestic Violence Event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the Jackie & Dave Thompson Dog Park, 869 South Ward Street, Macomb, Illinois. In the event of rain, the event will be held in the picnic shelter if it is safe to do so. A limited supply of dog treats and purple awareness leashes will be available for free.
New this year, pet parents are invited to take a free photo or selfie in front of two photography backdrops: An autumn scene and a winter holiday scene. Those who take photos are encouraged to post them on social media along with the Victim Services hotline number, 309-837-5555, and the hashtag, #PetsAgainstDVMacomb.
Victim Services officials say this simple act can help by spreading awareness of free counseling resources available to those who may be suffering in silence.
“By sharing information about resources or posting that you pledge to believe survivors on your social media pages, you may reach a friend or family member who needs help but has been too afraid to ask for it,” said Jamie Roth, Community Services & Public Relations Director for WIRC-CAA.
Roth continued that people need to be careful about how they react to someone when they disclose abuse because a negative reaction could further traumatize them.
“First, say that you believe them and thank them for trusting you enough to share that part of their life. Next, reassure them that you want to help. Finally, share resources with them that may be able to help, such as the Victim Services crisis hotline,” said Roth.
Any person who has witnessed or experienced abuse at any point in their life is welcome to call the Victim Services crisis hotline at 309-837-5555. Counseling and advocacy services are free and confidential to people of all ages who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, or stalking.
Funding is provided in part or in whole by a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services. WIRC-CAA Victim Services is an equal opportunity provider and employer.