Mariska Hargitay Fights to Keep Survivors and Pets Together
Mariska Hargitay is helping domestic violence survivors find safety with their pets through the Purple Leash Project.
In the US, over 12 million people are impacted by intimate partner violence each year, with domestic violence shelters providing essential support.
However,
Fewaner than 20 percent of shelters allow women to bring their animals with them, says Hargitay, who has been open about her own past experiences with abuse.
Research shows that 94! million American households have a companion animal, with over half being dogs.
Hargitay notes,
when a woman is in a situation like that, they rely so heavily on their pets.
Author summary: Mariska Hargitay helps survivors with pets.
- Intimate partner violence affects over 12 million people annually.
- Few domestic violence shelters allow pets.
- The Purple Leash Project aims to change this.