Cats Protection’s Paws Protect project, which provides an essential service for victims of domestic abuse, receives a grant of over £15,000 from the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner’s Safe Space Sussex Funding Network.
THE volunteer-led project, which expanded into Sussex last year, offers a free cat-fostering service for people escaping abusive relationships and ensures cats are well cared-for until their owners are able to resettle into a new home.
Beverley Russell, Cats Protection’s Paws Protect Project Manager, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this grant from the Safe Space Funding Network, which will fund our Paws Protect work in Sussex for the next 18 months.
“Paws Protect provides a vital service for people who are fleeing incredibly difficult and distressing situations. For many victims, leaving abusive relationships is made impossible as they cannot bear to lose their pets or put them at risk.
“We work closely with refuges and women’s charities so that victims know we are here and able to help. Our volunteers look after cats in their own homes for as long as is needed – normally a few months – giving their owners the peace of mind that they’re being well cared-for and the knowledge that they’ll be reunited.”
Katy Bourne, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, added: “Cats Protection’s Paws Protect service is a great example of an innovative local project that aims to help victims and protect those experiencing domestic violence.
“Disturbingly, it has become apparent that, within domestic abuse situations, offenders often threaten or even kill the victim’s pet/s as an emotional control mechanism. I am pleased to support a charity that recognises this issue and gives victims the piece of mind they need in order to distance themselves from their abuser and seek help in the knowledge that their pet has been safeguarded.”
For more information about the work of Cats Protection, click here:
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