Hosted by IAVSW: Pet-Inclusive Safety Planning for Survivors of Domestic Violence
Pets are often used as tools to maintain power and control in abusive relationships and can create specific barriers between the survivor and safety. This presentation will give an overview of the special bond survivors share with their pets, the unique challenges survivors with pets face while leaving an abusive relationship, and safety planning tips for those working with survivors of domestic violence and their pets. This presentation is interactive and will provide activities for those attending to practice their newly learned safety planning skills. After this presentation, those working with survivors of domestic violence will have tools to help keep the survivor and their pet safe while either leaving or staying in the relationship.
In this session, you will learn:
How the Human-Animal Bond uniquely applies to survivors of domestic violence and their pets.
The specific challenges survivors face when leaving abusive relationships while keeping their pets.
How to safety plan with a survivor who owns pets.
Who should attend?
Domestic violence program managers and staff
Victim advocates
Social service providers working with survivors
Animal welfare managers and staff
Presented by
Zoë Agnew-Svoboda
zagnewsvoboda@bestybnb.com
Director of Engagement and Program Development
Zoë Agnew-Svoboda is a leading voice at the intersection of animal welfare and social services, specializing in crisis response for pet owners and domestic violence advocacy. With well over a decade of experience in nonprofit management and systems advocacy, she works to expand lifesaving programs that remove barriers to safety and services for pet owners. As the Director of Engagement and Program Development at BestyBnB, Zoë partners with crisis service providers to improve accessibility.
Prior to joining BestyBnB, Zoë spent nearly eight years managing the pet advocacy program at a domestic violence agency in Kansas City, Missouri. She has firsthand experience navigating the challenges survivors face when seeking safety with their pets and has helped establish nationally recognized programs that bridge the gap between human and animal services. A sought-after speaker and trainer, Zoë regularly presents on the connection between domestic violence and animal abuse, the importance of pet-inclusive services, and how cross-sector collaboration can drive systemic change.
*BestyBnB webinars are geared toward professional development and are not intended to be utilized for therapeutic or psycho-educational purposes. If you are a survivor of domestic violence seeking help please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline.