By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Sue Wray with BrightHouse said they started a new program Monday to help victims of domestic violence who have pets. They said they couldn't help with that part before.
"National statistics indicate about 50% of the people who need help with domestic violence situations don't come to get help, because they have pets that they can't abandon," Wray said. "They just can't bring themselves to do it. We have had experience here that when people do leave and leave their pets behind, the abuse is horrific. It's just terrible."
BrightHouse has received outside money to help.
"We got a grant from the Stallman Foundation, which is a local community-based grant, that was set up to try to minimize cruelty to children and animals," Wray said. "We are going to use that to help people who need to escape a domestic violence situation, but they have an animal, or animals, that they need to protect, as well. We're working with Prairie Vista and we'll be able to offer medical care for the animals, if they need it, or vaccinations. Sometimes, people in these situations, they can't keep up with the medical care that their animal needs, obviously. We'll be able to offer vaccinations and we'll be able to offer boarding."
The program is likely to expand, if this pilot time works out.
"This will also give us a chance to start assessing how much of a need there is here," Wray said. "As we figure that out, then we're going to figure out a permanent solution where we can build some kind of a facility where we can help them out and move both the people, the animals, their children, the whole family. Then we can make sure that we've got a safe place and help people out."
If you need help immediately, the BrightHouse 24-Hour Crisis Line is always available at 620-663-2522.