About Safe

History
SAFE began with a simple conversation between family law attorney Leslie Gentile and her veterinarian, Dr. James Prueter. Leslie was relating a sad, but not rare incident where her client had been forced to flee her home because of domestic violence. Unfortunately, the woman was unable to take her cherished companion animal with her when she fled in terror and subsequently the abuser took out his anger on the innocent animal. This planted the seed for the founding of SAFE.

As the two friends discussed the realities faced by so many victims of family violence, they identified a number of sad truths that explain why a program, such as SAFE is needed:

• When family violence victims leave a dangerous situation, there may not be time to plan in advance and/or find a safe place for their pets. They may not have a friend or family member willing or able to help. The pets that are left behind are sometimes neglected, or worse, abused or killed.
• It’s not uncommon for abusers to threaten or carry out acts of violence against family pets in an attempt to exert power and control over family members; for example - threatening to hurt a pet if an intimate partner doesn’t return home.
• Abusers know if they harm an intimate partner or child, there is a good chance they will be arrested; however, if they harm the beloved family pet, they are still able to instill fear into the hearts of their family, frequently without as much risk of arrest.
• Although shelters for women and children fleeing violence have been operating within our community for many years, most do not accommodate animals.
• Victims of family violence often delay leaving a dangerous situation because they want to protect their animal(s). One only has to remember the number of people who died in the Katrina disaster to know that the human-animal bond is very strong and not limited to victims of family violence.
• Victims of violent crime may be reluctant to press criminal charges or testify against a perpetrator if they are in fear of reprisal. A perpetrator facing extensive prison time may use any method necessary to threaten and intimidate the victim into refusing to testify - including harming animals.
• The elderly make prime targets for callous criminals and are frequently victims of assaults and robberies. Threatening to harm an elderly persons’ animal can be an effective tool to take their possessions or money.
• A victim of rape may be afraid to return to a home that was the scene of the crime – meanwhile, while seeking alternative accommodations, they may not have a place to stay that can accommodate their pets.
• A senior who lives alone may be reluctant to seek the medical help they need if there is no one to care for their cherished companion animal.

While many people might have simply acknowledged there was an unmet need within the community and remained frustrated, these two dedicated people set out to gather a group of caring, capable, knowledgeable individuals willing to devote their time and energy to this important cause. This was the beginning of SAFE.

Growth 
SAFE has recently expanded the services offered to include all victims of violence, foreclosure and seniors in medical emergencies.

Today 
Today SAFE’s services are available to anyone in the Northeast Ohio region who finds themselves in violent or unfortunate situations - regardless of gender. SAFE’s expanded goal is to ensure no one is forced to abandon an animal in order to escape violence or tragic circumstances