BOULDER COUNTY, Colo. — Boulder and Broomfield counties are reporting higher rates of domestic violence than the rest of Colorado and the United States, according to SPAN (Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence).
The guilt of leaving a pet behind with their abuser or having to surrender their animal can often prevent a survivor from escaping violence. It's why SPAN has wanted to make their shelter pet-friendly for a while now.
"This is a need that we have been having for years and years," said Brenda Sarmiento, pet shelter coordinator for SPAN. "This new shelter that we’re going to have… I have no words for this, forever grateful."
Sarmiento said they take calls each day from people needing help. Last year, Broomfield Police reported a 31% increase in domestic violence related assaults. Boulder County police departments responded to 1,800 similar assaults.
"With this project, it will help us to do more because statistically, 47% of the victims of domestic violence delay the process of staying away from the perpetrator because of pets," she said.
SPAN said 91% of domestic violence survivors recognize their pets' emotional support and physical protection are significant in their ability to survive and heal. Their shelter is getting help from the global non-profit, Greater Good Charities, which is doing the work and providing $160,000 worth of funding to build the project.
"When you look at what a domestic violence survivor or a person experiencing homelessness has to go through to even get to the safety of being in shelter, it’s incredible, the level of stress, the level of trauma." said Bryna Donnelly, executive vice president of programs at Greater Good Charities. "Anything we can do to really help that healing process along is instrumental in getting them out into a happy outcome and then helping the next family, and a crucial part of that is having their pets with them."
Seven of their nine rooms will be converted to allow pets. Two will be left for those with allergies. They're building cubbies for cats and will have an outdoor space for dogs. All of that will be finished in the next couple of weeks.
Sarmiento said she's glad to be able to extend their services now and to also help promote the healing bond between animals and humans.
"'I have an apartment. I have a job. My kids are safe. I'm safe, and to see this change is what motivate us every single day to walk into this building... and do what we do," she said.
SPAN has both English and Spanish-speaking advocates who can help you if you need support now. Their crisis line phone number is 303-444-2424. It's open 24/7.
SPAN offers housing, shelter, counseling and help with legal services. Donations and volunteers help sustain their programs, including their new pet program.