Emergency sheltering of pets
When women and children are compelled to move into a crisis centre to escape domestic violence, they rarely have the option of taking their pets with them.
For a number of years, LOKK – the National Organisation of Women’s Shelters has collaborated with Animal Protection Denmark to ensure that pets are not left at home at the risk of being abused. Some women even regard the pets as a barrier to seeking help because they fear what could happen to them if left alone with a perpetrator of violence.
Securing the pets
"Leaving a violent partner and seeking help and protection at a women’s crisis centre can be a big step to take. And not being able to bring the family’s pet can often be a significant barrier to doing this. If the woman and her children know that their pet is in safe hands, it’ll be easier for them to focus on their stay at the crisis centre and the process of getting away from the violence. At LOKK we greatly appreciate the support from the QATO Foundation, because it makes such a big difference to the battered women, children and, not least, their pets,” said Laura Kirch Kirkegaard, Director, LOKK
The project provides temporary emergency sheltering at one of the animal refuge centres run by Animal Protection Denmark.
The pets are safe at these shelters and get the care they need. With the support of the QATO Foundation, the scheme can continue in 2024.
About LOKK
LOKK – the National Organisation of Women’s Shelters is the member organisation for most of Denmark’s women’s shelters. At the same time, it is also an NGO that lobbies to heighten awareness of, prevent and eliminate domestic violence and violence in close relationships.
