OAA Supports YWCA of Northwest Ohio’s Work to Protect Survivors and Their Pets

By Kendall Jang, Staff Writer

Ohio Animal Advocates recently submitted a letter of support for our partner, YWCA of Northwest Ohio, and its application for FY2026 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) funding.

The YWCA of Northwest Ohio provides critical services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, including outreach, safety support, emergency shelter, and assistance for survivors with pets.

This work is closely connected to OAA’s mission because violence against people and violence against animals often overlap. Domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and animal cruelty rarely occur in isolation. Animal abuse or neglect can be an early warning sign that other forms of violence are occurring within a household.

For survivors, concern about a pet’s safety can also create an additional barrier to leaving an abusive situation. That makes coordinated services that consider both people and their animals an important part of helping families reach safety and stability.

Through our partnership with the YWCA of Northwest Ohio, OAA supports a coordinated response to domestic and sexual violence that recognizes the important role of pet protection.

We are proud to support the YWCA of Northwest Ohio’s continued work to help survivors and their pets find safety, support, and a path forward.

Get Involved

1. Complete our action alert on H.R. 712, which would amend the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to increase child and animal abuse detection.

2. Learn more about Linking Animal and Family Violence on our advocacy page.

3. Share this update and action alert with friends and family!

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