What we do

Click here to view our 45-second PSA video.

• Our Story
• How Animal Abuse Is Part of Domestic Violence
• How We Help

Our Story

• Ahimsa House, meaning "nonviolence" in Sanskrit, was founded in 2004 by Emily Christie as a result of personal tragedy. Ahimsa House was, and is, Georgia's first and only organization dedicated to helping the human and animal victims of domestic violence reach safety together.

• Originally, Ahimsa House maintained a central shelter for animals at a secret location in metro Atlanta. In Fall 2006, we recognized the need to change our program model in an effort to operate more cost effectively and to better serve victims statewide (see How We Help, below). Ahimsa House temporarily suspended emergency sheltering services for approximately six months while developing our new Emergency Animal Safehouse Services program, which was launched in March 2007.

• Between March 2007 and the end of February 2008, Ahimsa House received 176 crisis calls. Of these, we provided 35 families with emergency shelter for their pets, and provided many others with information and referrals to other services, such as a domestic violence program.

• In 2008, Ahimsa House expanded our Emergency Animal Safehouse Services program to serve 60 families per year. Demand for our services continues to rise.

• Ahimsa House holds an animal shelter license from the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

• We are a member of the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Gwinnett County Family Violence Task Force, the Forsyth County Domestic Violence Task Force, and Georgia Legal Professionals for Animals.

• Ahimsa House was named "Rescue Organization of the Year" by Pedigree in 2005.

How Animal Abuse Is Part of Domestic Violence

• Domestic violence can occur anywhere; it crosses all races, all cultures and all socioeconomic backgrounds. In 2004, Georgia had 107 confirmed homicides resulting from domestic violence. Georgia ranks 14th in the nation for its rate of men killing women.

• Most U.S. households have pets, and pets are often considered part of the family. Recognizing the bonds between victims and their pets, many batterers threaten, harm, and even kill pets in the home in order to control, intimidate, and retaliate against their victims.

• Up to 71% of victims entering domestic violence shelters report that their abusers threatened, injured, or killed the family pets. Research indicates that pet abuse may be a red flag for increased severity of domestic violence and more controlling behavior by the abuser.

• According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, fewer than 1 in 8 domestic violence shelters is able to accommodate victims' pets.

• Abusers often threaten to harm pets if a victim flees. Threats toward a pet have also been used as effective ways to silence children from reporting sexual abuse.

• As many as half of all victims of domestic violence entering shelters report that they delayed seeking safety from an abusive situation because of concerns about what would happen to their pets.

• Victims who leave pets behind have been known to leave domestic violence shelters and return to the residence in order to attempt to reclaim or care for the pets.

• In addition to these safety risks to both humans and animals, witnessing pet abuse is traumatic to both children and adults. In a violent situation, a loving bond with a pet may serve as a vital source of support. Being forced to leave pets behind when fleeing abuse, especially with the knowledge that they may face further harm from the abuser, serves as an additional stressor at what is already a time of crisis.

• Children who witness pet abuse may go on to engage in animal cruelty themselves. Animal cruelty in childhood is a risk factor for interpersonal violence.

How We Help

• Ahimsa House services are available to domestic violence victims anywhere in Georgia.

• Ahimsa House receives NO government funding of any kind. We depend entirely on donations from caring people like you, as well as foundation grants and corporate sponsorships, to help us get our message out to those who are suffering in abusive situations, to provide emergency care for their companion animals, and to run our 24-hour crisis line.

• Ahimsa House can provide shelter for dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, horses, reptiles, and "pocket pets" (gerbils, hamsters, etc.). We will attempt to accommodate other animals as needed.

• Ahimsa House provides three primary programs:
  1. Emergency Animal Safehouse Services (EASS): Confidential temporary shelter and veterinary aid for pets while their families seek safety themselves.
     • This program accepts referrals from any domestic violence, law enforcement, or mental health/counseling agency in Georgia.
     • Clients may self-refer if working with any of the above agencies, or if in possession of a Temporary Protection Order (TPO).
  2. 24-Hour Crisis Line (404-452-6248): Available to victims and their representatives regardless of whether entering Emergency Animal Safehouse Services program
     
     • Assistance with including pets in safety planning 
     • Assistance with including pets in a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) to order abuser to stay away from pets or to provide law enforcement escort to retrieve pets left behind
     • Referrals to programs outside Georgia
  3. Professional Outreach and Community Education
     • Free training programs available for domestic violence agencies, law enforcement, animal control, veterinarians, and other professionals serving the human and animal victims of domestic violence (contact outreach@ahimsahouse.org or 404-496-4038, ext. 708)
     • Public awareness campaigns about the connections between animal abuse, child abuse, partner violence, and elder abuse