Mariska Hargitay has teamed up with the Purple Leash Project to help raise awareness and make domestic violence shelters more pet-friendly.
Mariska has always advocated for domestic abuse survivors, and this new initiative is necessary. Take a look!
The Law and Order: SVU star recently learned a troubling statistic about why some domestic abuse survivors don’t seek safety as early as they could.
She learned that nearly half of all domestic violence survivors delay leaving the abuser out of worry that they’d have to leave their pet behind.
“That fifty percent of survivors have to choose between their own safety and the safety of their pet is just untenable,” Mariska told People.
“For survivors after being physically hurt, the number one affliction is isolation,” she explained. “And the idea of supporting a survivor’s healing with their animal, that they could heal together was just so beautiful to me.”
The actress teamed up with the Purple Leash Project, an initiative from RedRover and Purina to help make domestic violence shelters more pet-friendly. The organization says that only 17% of shelters accept dogs
“A survivor having to choose between their own safety and the safety of their pet speaks to women and their nurturing essence – and loving their pet as they would a child, that unconditional connection, it’s so human,” Mariska explained.
To help raise awareness, Mariska unveiled a new statue, “Courageous Together,” in Times Square in New York City.
The sculpture, which she worked on with the Purple Leash Project, shows a woman and her dog who are connected together with a purple leash, symbolizing taking that first step.
“It has a way of starting a conversation with this woman, taking the courageous step forward with her beloved pet, looking at her, like, ‘I got you, and I’m with you. No matter what.'” Mariska added.
Dogs Can Be a Great Comfort for Abuse Survivors
According to Rover, therapy dogs, whether officially trained or your pet, can give so much comfort to people starting new after abuse.
“Each survivor will have different needs. Someone who has experienced years of verbal abuse, for instance, may rely on the calming, grounding, and quiet steadfastness their service dog provides,” the website explains.
The outlet points to various studies that have shown how interacting with dogs can flood our bodies with happy hormones.
“Data suggests that interacting with dogs increases oxytocin and dopamine and decreases cortisol, the stress hormone,” they explain. “Dog owners are happier and healthier than the population at large, and few would be surprised to know of the scientific evidence to these effects.”
We’re so glad people like Mariska are able to use their voice and platform to help better the lives of people who are seeking safety.
