For many survivors of domestic violence, the hardest part of leaving isn’t packing a bag.
It’s looking into the eyes of the dog curled up at their feet, the cat sleeping on the windowsill, or the rabbit a child kisses goodnight, and wondering who will care for them once they’re gone and whether they’ll be safe.
For some, that question is enough to stay.
Domestic violence is about power and control. Abusers often threaten, injure, or kill beloved animals to intimidate survivors, punish them for seeking independence, or force them to remain in abusive relationships. A companion animal can become another tool of manipulation, another barrier to safety, and another reason someone feels they have no choice but to stay.
The numbers tell a heartbreaking story. Half of pet-owning survivors delay leaving because they fear for their pet’s safety. Seventy-one percent report that an abusive partner threatened, injured, or killed a beloved animal. Yet those same animals often become a lifeline during recovery, with 91% of survivors saying their pet played a significant role in helping them survive and heal.
At Younity, we understand that for many survivors of domestic violence, a beloved pet is family. The fear of leaving a companion animal behind can become a significant barrier to seeking safety. Drawing on decades of experience serving survivors, Younity is developing a comprehensive Pet Advocacy Program to ensure that no one has to choose between their own safety and their pet’s well-being. Led by Pet Advocate Janet Ginest, this initiative addresses a critical need that our team has seen firsthand for many years.
“To force someone to choose between their own safety and their companion animal is unconscionable,” Janet says. “For some people, their companion animal is the one constant in their lives where they feel loved and safe. That conviction is the driving force behind Younity’s new Pet Advocacy Program.
Removing One More Barrier to Safety
The Pet Advocacy Program is about much more than welcoming companion animals into housing. It removes one of the barriers that can prevent survivors from escaping abuse.
Thanks to the generous support of The Community Foundation of New Jersey, Younity is expanding its trauma-informed services by launching its Pet Advocacy Program. As part of this initiative, Younity plans to renovate its transitional housing program to become pet-friendly, allowing survivors to remain with their companion animals as they rebuild their lives.
In partnership with RedRover, Younity is also in the early stages of developing an on-site kennel, creating additional options to help keep survivors and their pets together and safe. By removing this critical barrier to safety, Younity is ensuring that no survivor has to choose between escaping abuse and protecting the companion animal they love. Creating a pet-friendly program requires far more than opening the door to companion animals.
Janet has spent months developing policies and procedures, participating in specialized training, working with insurance providers, establishing safety protocols, and consulting with national experts who have helped domestic violence organizations across the country build successful pet-friendly programs. Every detail has been thoughtfully planned to protect both survivors and their companion animals.
A Community Coming Together
Over the past several months, Janet has been laying the foundation for this innovative program by developing policies and procedures, completing specialized training, and building strong partnerships throughout the community. We are proud to be working alongside Lawrence Animal Hospital, West Trenton Animal Hospital, and Robbinsville Veterinary Clinic, whose collaboration will help ensure survivors and their companion animals receive the compassionate care and support they need.
While we have made tremendous progress, this is just the beginning. Bringing this vision to life will require the continued support of our community. Together, we can create a safe, welcoming environment where survivors and their pets can heal, rebuild, and begin a new chapter together.
Looking Ahead
For nearly 50 years, Younity has been committed to removing the barriers that prevent survivors from reaching safety, healing, and hope.
The Pet Advocacy Program removes one more.
No survivor should ever have to choose between escaping abuse and protecting the companion animal who has provided comfort, loyalty, and unconditional love through some of life’s darkest moments.
With the support of our community, they won’t have to.
For more information or to participate in the program, please email Janet Ginest at janetg@younitynj.org.
