Federal legislation would afford vital protections and resources to domestic violence victims and their companion animals needing to escape abuse;
New Mexico’s CARE Program needs more volunteers to provide temporary safe havens for victims’ animals in our own communities.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we are reminded that tens of thousands of domestic violence incidents are reported to New Mexico law enforcement each year. In fact, in 2013 alone there were 18,954 incidents. Since domestic violence is a notoriously underreported crime, we know there are even more victims — people and animals — in need.
Abusers frequently threaten, injure or kill companion animals as a way to intimidate, control or punish family members. Consequently, up to 65% of domestic violence victims delay reporting or leaving because they don’t want to abandon their beloved animals. Their concern is very real — most domestic violence shelters in New Mexico do not allow companion animals.
Animal Protection of New Mexico’s CARE program provides safe, temporary housing for animals of domestic violence survivors. Our partnership with the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence and, thanks to 2015 Milagro Award winner Senator Nancy Rodriguez, $50,000 in recurring state funding, has strengthened CARE, but our state still needs more help.
We need you.
Urge Your Members of Congress to Cosponsor the PAWS Act
The Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act (H.R. 1258 / S. 1559) would amend the federal criminal code to:
Prohibit the intentional targeting of a domestic partner’s pet.
Add veterinary care to the list of costs that victims can recover from their abusers.
Establish a federal grant program to help victims safely house their animals during the transition to a safer home.
Please call your Members of Congress today to help build support for this bill!
U.S. Senators
Senator Tom Udall – (202) 224-6621
Senator Martin Heinrich – (202) 224-5521
U.S. Representative (Find yours at house.gov/representatives/find)
Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (thank for already cosponsoring!) – 202-225-6316
Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (thank for already cosponsoring!) – (202) 225-6190
Rep. Steve Pearce (urge to cosponsor) – (202) 225-2365
If you’re calling to urge the lawmaker to support and cosponsor the PAWS Act, here are a few talking points that you might use:
Domestic violence is a frequent and serious problem here in New Mexico, and the abuse often extends to the victims’ companion animals, too.
Victims desperately need protections and resources in order to escape domestic violence, and many delay leaving because they don’t want to leave their animals behind.
The PAWS Act will provide much-needed help and housing options so that victims and their animals can safely and swiftly escape abusive homes.
Volunteer foster homes play a critical role in allowing domestic violence survivors and their animals to find safety.
Would you be able to take in a companion animal – up to 30, 60, or 90 days – until a domestic violence victim (a CARE program client) can secure stable, animal-friendly housing? By providing temporary foster care to an animal in need, you’re helping to ensure a brighter future for the animal and human survivors of domestic violence.
If there’s a chance you can help, please print and submit our CARE Service Provider Application!
Can’t foster? Please consider making a donation to this important life-saving program. Go to apnm.org/care or note “CARE” on your check to: APNM, P.O. Box 11395, Albuquerque, NM 87192.
Don’t let Domestic Violence Awareness Month pass by without taking action to make a tangible difference for vulnerable victims and their animals. Thank you for being their voice!
