Shelter for Domestic Violence Survivors
Safe Haven Foster Program
Currently available through our Milwaukee Campus
The Wisconsin Humane Society Milwaukee Campus and Sojourner Family Peace Center have partnered to provide the Safe Haven program, which offers up to 60 days of shelter for animals from families affected by domestic violence.
Research finds that 71% of women with animals seeking shelter reported that their partner had threatened, hurt or killed their animal (Ascione, Weber and Wood, 1997). Abusers often use animals as pawns to manipulate and control the survivor, taking advantage of the survivor's concern for his or her animal. Abusers may threaten, harm, or kill animals to intimidate survivors, demand silence about the abuse, or prevent them from leaving.
Many survivors are unable to leave an abusive situation because they fear for their animal’s safety. The Safe Haven program makes it possible for survivors to leave an abusive relationship without losing their companion animal. Animals provide companionship, comfort, and unconditional love to survivors and their children affected by domestic violence, and preserving the bond between families and their animals is vitally important.
I need help. How do I enroll in the Safe Haven program?
If you know of a family or animal in need of help or need to access this program yourself, contact the Sojourner Family Peace Center at 414-933-2722.
I want to help. How can I support the Safe Haven Program?
- Spread the word!
- Volunteer as a foster parent. Opening your home to an animal through the Safe Haven program not only provides a comfortable home environment for the animal, but also peace of mind for their family. Your generosity will help save lives – both human and animal. More information and an application are available here.
- Donate! You can make a contribution exclusively for Safe Haven here.
