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Frequently Asked Questions
What does your organization's name mean?
The word ahimsa means nonviolence in Sanskrit.
Why does Ahimsa House exist?
Ahimsa House exists to help save the animal victims of domestic violence. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between ages 15-44 in the United States - more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. There are many shelters for human domestic violence victims in Georgia, but Ahimsa House is the only domestic violence shelter for animals in this state.
Abusers hit, kick, throw, torture, and kill the family pets to terrorize the family and keep them silent about the abuse in their home. Concern for a beloved companion animal's welfare prevents or delays as many as 50% of battered individuals from escaping domestic abuse, continuing to endanger themselves, their children, and their pets. It is estimated that 88% of animals in households where mental and physical abuse takes place are injured or killed when the victim tries to leave.
Who is affected by domestic violence?
Domestic violence can occur anywhere; it crosses all races, all cultures, all occupations, all ages, and all socioeconomic backgrounds. There were 54,010 reported cases of domestic violence in Georgia in 2006. Eighty-five percent of the victims of domestic violence had previously been battered by their killer. Forty-four percent of the cases where a fatality resulted occurred while children were present. You may be surprised to know that Georgia ranks seventh in the nation for its rate of men killing women.
How does Ahimsa House help?
Ahimsa House assists victims of abuse by providing a safe haven for their companion animals so that they do not have to worry about their safety and well being. Ahimsa House works with law enforcement agencies, domestic violence shelters, and counseling agencies to assist both the human and animal victims. Women, children, and their beloved pets are reunited after approximately 65 days.
How is Ahimsa House funded?
Ahimsa House depends on the donations of caring people like you. Help us get our message out to those suffering in abusive situations and to care for their companion animals while they go to a domestic violence shelter. With your help, Ahimsa House can grant these victims peace of mind as they rebuild their lives. Ahimsa House receives NO government funding of any kind.
