TGIF !!!
As you know October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and I am sharing my story today again as it is 10 years since Baby passed away and feel, she being my hero should be remembered.
It is easy to tell victims to run but it is a complicated process and can be very difficult especially if your abuser controls the finances so something I always tell victims is hide somewhere in the house or outdoors if safe, a small bag with your documents and whatever cash you can save. Put in that bag whatever your abuser will not not notice is missing as to not cause anymore friction in the house.
If you can and a friend or family are aware of the situation talk to them about helping you get away if you do not have a car and try to carefully plan whatever you can ahead which will help making the hard decision a little bit easier.
Please note that there is a shortage of rooms in shelters so try have a back up plan so that you do not land up on the streets and try find someone to take your pets that they will be safe. An abuser will not hesitate to harm your pets if you run and they are our furkids so we need to make sure they are safe.
Baby was my hero, she had kept me alive during the relationship, because of her I was able to go for walks and so much more. She kept me alive and thank goodness I had her in my life.
When I ran I was fortunate to have a friend who picked me up from the house with my dog and hid me at her place till I could get out of the city. I did not have money as my ex controlled the finances so whatever I had was very limited but I sold jewellery to help me buy a ticket to get out of the city where I was living.
Upon arriving in San Francisco I found that shelters did not allow dogs so a wonderful Domestic Violence Organization stepped in to foster her while I was sorting myself out. Since I ran things are changing and slowly pets are being included and the DV organizations are talking more about pets and assisting those that have them.
She joined me in the shelter about 2 months after I got there, stayed with me in transitional housing and then we finally moved to our own home, a place to live happily with no drama, a peaceful happy home.
About 3 months after we got into our own home, she suddenly contracted IMHA and within 48 hours passed away, 5 October 2010. It was one of the hardest days in my life as my angel had gone and I was left alone trying to sort my life out.
My home was empty, lonely and I felt that it was not fair that when I finally could give her everything she left me but as a friend of mine said to me : She came into your life when you both needed each other (she was a rescue) and left you when you were safe so that you could open your home to a new furkid.
Three months later it happened and I rescued Layla and the rest is history.
So what I have decided to do is to give back and at the moment I am doing a workshop to become a Domestic Violence Advocate so that I can hopefully help others, pets included and be their voice.
If you know anyone that is in an abusive relationship, reach out, offer help and then let them decide what they want to do, BUT if they know that you are there for them and their pets it will hopefully make the decision a lot easier.
Take care everyone, be safe and remember you are not alone,
With a woof and love from Layla
The Domestic Violence Hotline : https://www.thehotline.org/
Such an important article-we will share! This is such a much needed piece of information. I can’t agree more about the importance is to reach out. Be kind, be aware, and help where you can. Thank you for this article!
Rebecca my pleasure and I agree we need to share and speak up about it as if we do others will know and can give the information to an abuser if they know of one
Baby was a cutie, I’m sorry for your loss. I’m so happy to see more and more shelters are starting to allow people to bring their pets with them. I’d hate to see people getting stuck in bad situations because they don’t want to leave beloved pets behind. I hope you and sweet Layla have a great weekend!
Thanks Michelle and she was a sweetheart, I am also relieved more is being done for the pets of survivors. Have a great weekend
Running isn’t always easy. First, one has to have a place to run to. Then, means to survive. And then, means of not being found. Not easy at all.
Jana but it is worth the hardships as you are not living in fear and are free
Oh I remember when you mentioned your sweet angel Baby and how much she meant to you during your most turbulent time. Yes, she certainly was your guardian angel mean to be with you by your side and ensure you escaped to find your new chapter. Bless her RIP. I think it’s wonderful you continue to inspire other to find avenues to get out and find safety. I’ll be sharing and pinning this post.
Thank you Kamira because I say the more we speak out the more likely we will help someone else, take care
A priceless post that I will share a lot. That first step must be the hardest that most people ever take to leave an abusive relationship. You were so lucky to have Baby as your mentor and guide * hugs * I know you miss her but Layla is the coolest pup.
Thank you Marjorie for sharing and your words they are really appreciated. I agree Layla is the coolest pup and I am so blessed in so many ways
This is such an important topic – thank you for being so open with your own story. Running isn’t easy, even when it seems like the obvious choice to those on the outside. It’s further complicated when you’re trying to figure out how to keep your furbaby safe in the process. I’m glad that there were people and organizations prepared to help you during that transition. I agree with your friend, she was there with you for a reason at the time when you needed one another most. I’m sure she is happy to see Layla picking up the role and taking care of you now.
Britt she is and adores Layla. It is complicated and I was blessed but not many are and that is why if a victim knows someone they can trust who can help if necessary it does make it a lot easier to run. I share my story as I want others to know it is possible
I first learned about domestic abuse in class as a college student. It was incredible to learn how a person takes control (usually slowly) and traps a person into such a horrible relationship. I’m glad that you were able to escape your abuser and that you had Baby to help through the worst days.
Thank you Beth and it is frightening and really happy you learned about it at college, it must be talked about and taught also so that people understand it more. I was blessed to get away and hopefully by talking out others will see it is possible
You are so brave, and I applaud you. It’s easy for others to say “just leave”, but it’s more complicated than that. I’m so happy you and Layla found each other.
Thank you Dawn and yes it is easier said than done but that is why we need to speak out and educate so that people will understand