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
Kate Rachiele
KateR@willowcenterny.org
Pet Program & Operations Coordinator
Zoë Agnew-Svoboda
zagnewsvoboda@bestybnb.com
Director of Engagement and Program Development
Kate Rachiele is the Pet Program Coordinator at Willow Domestic Violence Center; with eight years of experience as an animal welfare professional, her background working at high-intake animal shelters uniquely positions her to identify service gaps and barriers individuals face when they are trying to retain their pets in times of crisis. Her practice is informed by the belief that human and animal well-being are intertwined, particularly concerning the link between human and animal violence. She takes a supportive, educational approach that empowers survivors to make informed decisions for themselves and their pets. In her free time, she volunteers as a kitten foster parent and enjoys exploring New York’s state parks.
Zoë has worked in animal welfare for over a decade. Prior to joining BestyBnB, she spent close to 8 years providing direct service to survivors of domestic violence by managing the pet advocacy program at a domestic violence agency in Kansas City, Missouri. With this program, she gained first-hand knowledge on the positive impact pets play in our lives and how the relationship we share with animals can be life-saving. Zoë regularly provides training on her vast knowledge of the connection between domestic violence and animal abuse, and how to provide pet advocacy services. In her role with BestyBnB, she partners with agencies to implement lifesaving programs for survivors seeking safety with their pets.
*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.