Banfield Foundation® and Pro Football Champion Russell Wilson Team Up on Domestic Violence Public Service Announcement

Each year, millions of domestic violence victims stay in abusive situations because they fear for the safety of their pet. Research suggests up to 89% of pet-owning domestic violence victims report their abuser has either threatened, injured or killed the family pet, and nearly half of victims remain in an abusive relationship because they fear for the safety of their pet. However, with an estimated 6-10% of domestic violence shelters allowing animals, the urgent need to create and grow support for pet-friendly programs is critical to protect the human-animal bond and save lives.

Russell Wilson, professional football champion, pet owner and advocate, has partnered with the Banfield Foundation® to help create a world in which victims never have to choose between their own safety and the safety of their loved ones, including their pets. Banfield Foundation® supports programs that provide temporary shelter, behavior training and veterinary care — so people and pets can find safety together. Because when we help pets, we help people too.

Since its inception in September 2015, the Banfield Foundation® has awarded nearly $375,000 to 33 domestic violence related nonprofits in 21 states. Earlier this year, the foundation announced its intent to raise awareness of the link between domestic violence and animal abuse by committing to invest $1 million over four years through its new Safer Together program.

The foundation’s new Safer Together grant program enables qualifying nonprofit organizations to apply for funding as they increase their capacity to help people and pets escaping domestic violence. Funding will largely focus on ensuring pets have access to preventive and emergency veterinary care, temporary shelter and behavior training. Another valuable way the foundation is helping is by engaging and training the veterinary profession and providing educational resources.

Visit BanfieldFoundation.org/SaferTogether to learn more and get involved.

VIDEO PROVIDED BY: Banfield Foundation

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