“Because Healing Should Be a Journey Shared by All—Humans and Their Best Friends.”
October 11, 2024 – NAPA VALLEY, CA – In an innovative partnership, Jameson Humane, NEWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Services (“NEWS”), and Ruthless Kindness are humbled to announce the launch of “Paws for Peace,” a Napa Valley-wide campaign dedicated to raising awareness and providing crucial support for survivors of domestic violence and their beloved animals. This initiative aims to create safe, pet-friendly housing options for individuals fleeing violent situations, addressing a significant barrier that many face when seeking safety.
With October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it’s vital that we address the stark reality that pets are often caught in the crossfire of abusive relationships. Studies show that approximately 71% of women who enter domestic violence shelters report that their abuser threatened or harmed their animals. This deeply disturbing trend not only adds to the trauma experienced by survivors but also serves as a powerful coercive tool used by abusers to maintain control.
“We want to believe that domestic violence isn’t common here in our beautiful Napa Valley, but it’s happening to 1 in 4 women, and to men as well. Ruthless Kindness fields calls every week from survivors who want to escape abuse, but can’t bear to leave their animals behind. The Paws for Peace partnership allows our community to offer solutions, and help human and animal victims reach safety, together,” said Sarah Reidenbach, veterinarian & CEO of Ruthless Kindness. “No one should be forced to stay in danger just because they love their animals.”
These words could not ring truer. Research indicates that about 50% of domestic violence survivors will delay leaving an abusive relationship due to concerns for their pets’ safety. Many human shelters do not accept animals, further complicating the decision for survivors who feel they have no choice but to stay in harmful situations. Paws for Peace seeks to break this cycle by emphasizing that both humans and pets deserve a safe place to heal and rebuild their lives.
“The decision to leave an abusive relationship is already fraught with barriers and anguish when considering safety, the wellbeing of children, and financial support and housing. A pet or animal, who is truly a member of the family, is a source of stability and comfort and can be the deciding factor or barrier to forgoing a safe future. We want to provide solutions to that barrier, so it is one less worry on the path to a safer life,” said Tracy Lamb, Executive Director of NEWS.
The initiative officially kick offs today and runs through October 31, 2024. Participating Napa Valley restaurants, wine bars, wineries, and hotels will contribute to the cause by donating $1 for every drink, bottle of wine, or tasting fee sold during this period. Every dollar raised will go directly towards providing necessary resources for survivors and their beloved animals, including:
- Safe hotel accommodations for those seeking refuge
- Pet deposits for pet-friendly rental properties
- Essential food and supplies for both humans and animals
- Veterinary care to ensure pets remain healthy and safe
“Our beloved animals are part of our family,” said Monica Stevens, President and Founder of Jameson Humane. “With Paws for Peace, we want to ensure that survivors of domestic violence can escape their situations without the added fear of leaving their beloved animals behind. Together, we can create a community that prioritizes safety for everyone—humans and animals alike. I am so very proud and grateful of the support of our wine and hospitality industry in making this campaign a reality”
To date, participating wine and hospitality establishments include:
In addition to visiting participating locations, people who cannot make it out can support the campaign by making a direct donation through the Jameson Humane website: jamesonanimalrescueranch.org/donate/donation. Every contribution, no matter how small, will help us provide essential resources for those who have experienced domestic violence and their cherished beloved animals.
Join Paws for Peace in making a difference this October and help foster a supportive environment that emphasizes healing, compassion, and the undeniable bond between human survivors and their pets. For more information about the Paws for Peace campaign, including participating locations and vintners and how to donate, please visit jamesonanimalrescueranch.org/paws-for-peace
About Jameson Humane:
Jameson Humane Mission: Guided by the connection among animals, humans, and the planet, we seek to improve animal welfare through global collaboration and education for the benefit of all life
About NEWS:
NEWS, Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Services, is committed to providing safety, hope, healing, and empowerment for survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, while promoting safe communities through prevention, education, intervention, and advocacy.
About Ruthless Kindness:
Our mission is to prevent violence and suffering in at-risk animals and people. We envision a world where trauma is healed and suffering is prevented through compassionate action and human-animal connection.
