The Case Animal Rights & Ethics Society traditionally brings a speaker to campus every semester. This past November, CARES carefully selected an individual who has dedicated his life to helping animals in a unique and critically important way. Esteemed veterinarian Dr. James Prueter founded the organization SAFE (Safety for animals and families in emergencies) a Cleveland based effort to provide emergency care and coordinate foster homes for the companion animals of domestic violence victims.
"SAFE began with a simple conversation in a veterinarian’s office, between family law attorney Leslie Gentile and her veterinarian, James Prueter, DVM. Leslie was saddened and frustrated by a recent case in which a client had left her home because of domestic violence. Unfortunately, the abuser had taken out his anger on the woman’s animal, who had been left behind. The telling of this story—and the venting of Leslie’s sadness and frustration—planted the seeds for the founding of Safety for Animals and Families in Emergencies (SAFE).
As the two friends conversed, they acknowledged some sad truths about a growing problem. They talked about the fact that many women who need to leave their homes (often in a hurry) don’t have the kind of support system that includes family and friends who can (or will) care for a pet. They discussed the lack of facilities to house animals in domestic violence shelters. Finally, they expressed their disdain at the knowledge that animals often become pawns in the cycle of domestic violence, with abusers threatening—and frequently carrying out—acts of abuse against beloved pets in order to intimidate and control the people who love them. "
Dr. Prueter has been an inspiration to myself and many others, proving that with enough attention, effort, and persistence, it is possible for individuals to effect change in even the most difficult situations. No one individual can end animal suffering or stop human violence, but never underestimate the impact that one person alone can have on many lifes.
To learn more about SAFE visit: http://safe.cuyahogacounty.us/
Speak up for those without a voice-- you may just save a life.
"SAFE began with a simple conversation in a veterinarian’s office, between family law attorney Leslie Gentile and her veterinarian, James Prueter, DVM. Leslie was saddened and frustrated by a recent case in which a client had left her home because of domestic violence. Unfortunately, the abuser had taken out his anger on the woman’s animal, who had been left behind. The telling of this story—and the venting of Leslie’s sadness and frustration—planted the seeds for the founding of Safety for Animals and Families in Emergencies (SAFE).
As the two friends conversed, they acknowledged some sad truths about a growing problem. They talked about the fact that many women who need to leave their homes (often in a hurry) don’t have the kind of support system that includes family and friends who can (or will) care for a pet. They discussed the lack of facilities to house animals in domestic violence shelters. Finally, they expressed their disdain at the knowledge that animals often become pawns in the cycle of domestic violence, with abusers threatening—and frequently carrying out—acts of abuse against beloved pets in order to intimidate and control the people who love them. "
Dr. Prueter has been an inspiration to myself and many others, proving that with enough attention, effort, and persistence, it is possible for individuals to effect change in even the most difficult situations. No one individual can end animal suffering or stop human violence, but never underestimate the impact that one person alone can have on many lifes.
To learn more about SAFE visit: http://safe.cuyahogacounty.us/
Speak up for those without a voice-- you may just save a life.
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1 comment:
Who says that it is only women who are battered? It is a little-known fact in domestic violence that up to 40% of victims of domestic violence are MEN.
- A woman, proud feminist, and victim's advocate
Tjaden, P. G., & Thoennes, N. (2000). Full Report of Prevalence, Incidence and Consequences of Violence Against Women: Findings from the National Violence Against Women Survey. U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice & Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Research Report, Nov. 2000. NCJ 183781
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