"I Wanted To Leave But Couldn't Leave My Dog Behind" - Kierra's Story According to the Animal Welfare Institute people who cause harm often have a pattern of abuse involving all members of the household – including children and pets. When survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking decide to escape the person who causes them harm, they're not only faced with the problem of finding shelter for themselves and children, but also for their beloved pets. Unfortunately, many shelters do not have the space or capacity to house pets along with survivors, forcing many survivors to make the painful decision to leave their pets behind in an abusive environment. This was the case for Kierra, a Bridge Housing participant. Kierra had decided to leave her boyfriend of 7 years in 2019 but wasn't able to leave until she found WTLC in 2020. "I finally got the courage to leave my boyfriend last year but couldn't find a shelter that would take me and my dog, Chewy. When I found out  WTLC accepted pets, I cried because I could finally leave. Chewy is loving it here and I feel safe."

Pets are members of the family, and no one, especially survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, should have to make the impossible decision to leave their pets behind during times of crisis. WTLC is the only domestic violence and human trafficking service provider in Orange County to house pets alongside their owners, and in 2019, WTLC welcomed 12 animals into shelter. Our Bridge Housing Program houses survivors together with their pets, eliminating barriers that prevent survivors from leaving abusive situations out of concern for their pets' well-being. WTLC’s Bridge Housing Program provides flexible housing options to ensure survivors can focus on their recovery without the stress of housing instability. You can ensure that survivors and families with pets safely escape domestic violence and human trafficking together by supporting our work.

notable brings you free online programming to support your emotional, mental, and relational health. Join us for our weekly live streams and educational classes to equip you with knowledge to create healthier lives, relationships, and communities.

LEARNING FROM A DISTANCE Join us from 12:00PM-1:00PM every Monday and Thursday on Facebook Live to learn about ways you can prevent violence, right from your home during social distancing. LIVE STREAM TOPICS 7/13: Mental Health in Different Cultures (Spanish) 7/16: Mental Health in Different Cultures 7/20: Labor Trafficking & Labor Exploitation in Different Cultural Settings 7/23: Labor Trafficking & Labor Exploitation in Different Cultural Settings (Spanish) 7/27: Navigating & Adapting to Our New "Normal" (Spanish) 7/30: Navigating & Adapting to Our New "Normal"

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