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  • 1.  Community Conversations - 10/20/2025 - Supporting Someone Experiencing Domestic Violence

    Posted 10-14-2025 10:26 AM

    Updated 10/20/25 at 4:21 pm - Recording now available to watch on-demand!

    Enter here for a chance to win the October Community Conversations giveaway after watching live or on-demand.

    Please note: All views expressed on these calls are not necessarily endorsed by Maddie’s Fund. 

    We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Supporting Someone Experiencing Domestic Violence" a presentation by @Janel Griffieth. 

    Each year, an estimated 10 million people in the United States experience domestic violence, a silent epidemic that deeply impacts individuals, families, and communities. Abuse thrives in silence, making it essential to understand how to respond with care and empathy.


    This presentation, "Supporting Someone Experiencing Domestic Violence," will introduce key concepts and practical steps for providing effective support. Participants will learn how to recognize signs of abuse, approach survivors safely and respectfully, and identify resources that empower survivors to make their own choices. By fostering awareness and compassionate action, we can help end the silence on violence and create pathways toward safety and healing.


    This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff, return to home and intake prevention staff, veterinary professionals (vets, techs, support staff), behavior staff and volunteers, field services/animal control officers, grant writers/fundraisers,  and marketing & communications staff. Everyone is affected by domestic violence, as everyone is impacted by domestic violence. 

    🔑 Key Takeaways:

    • Learn how to approach survivors with empathy, maintain their confidentiality, and respect their autonomy while offering resources and encouragement.

    • Gain knowledge of local and national support services, safety planning strategies, and ways to help break the cycle of silence in your community.


    Don't forget! $10,000 in grants each month!     Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

    Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. If you have not re-registered for the new season, please do so today. 

    🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
    We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

    Looking forward to being in community with you! 


    #AccesstoCare
    #CommunityPartnerships*
    #Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
    #EducationandTraining
    #FieldServicesandPublicSafety*
    #PetSupportServices*

    ------------------------------
    Sheila Kouhkan
    Senior Education Specialist
    Maddie's Fund
    CA
    ------------------------------



  • 2.  RE: Community Conversations - 10/20/2025 - Supporting Someone Experiencing Domestic Violence

    Posted 30 days ago

    Thanks to our speaker, @Janel Griffieth - and everyone who joined us today! 

    We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: Why do you think society often concentrates on what victims “should have done” instead of examining and holding accountable the behaviors of those who are abusive?



    ------------------------------
    Sheila Kouhkan
    Senior Education Specialist
    Maddie's Fund
    CA
    ------------------------------


  • 3.  RE: Community Conversations - 10/20/2025 - Supporting Someone Experiencing Domestic Violence

    Posted 30 days ago

    Thank you, Janel, for an amazing presentation!

    I believe society often concentrates on what the victim "should have done" instead of examining and holding accountable the behaviors of those who are abusive is because they have never been in that situation. From the outside looking in, it may seem like an "easy fix", but they don't understand the toll it takes on the victim, emotionally, mentally, and sometimes physically. Not to mention the lack of resources. An abuser will often times isolate the victim so there isn't a way out for the victim; causing them to disconnect from family, friends, work, and solely rely on the abuser to survive. Society on the outside is thinking with a black and white mindset of "you can just leave" and "this could have all been avoided if you just did..."  The victim on the inside hopes and prays for better because they once saw that abuser in a better light and believe they can get back to that point.  There is love there and it's not easy to leave. They have been manipulated to believe there is no alternative and no one would believe them. Domestic violence is something that you think you'll know how to handle, until you are actually in it. DV is one of those things that you never think will happen to you because "you know better", but it can happen to anyone. When we see or hear of someone experiencing DV, we should absolutely believe the victim, listen to listen and not to respond, ask them how we can help, and hold the abuser accountable.



    ------------------------------
    Jennifer Vasquez
    Director of Development
    Rio Grande Valley Humane Society
    TX
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Community Conversations - 10/20/2025 - Supporting Someone Experiencing Domestic Violence

    Posted 30 days ago

    Mic Drop  

    You are absolutely right! This is why it is so complex.

    I also tell people, abusers are so manipulative and their tactics are so methodical, why are we not focusing on them more?? They walk among us waiting to prey on someone, that is not normal behavior we should accept in our society. 



    ------------------------------
    Janel Griffieth
    Consultant
    N/A
    FL
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Community Conversations - 10/20/2025 - Supporting Someone Experiencing Domestic Violence

    Posted 19 days ago

    Possibly we haven't been educated in what DM abuse really is.  It's more than bruises and broken bones.  This community conversation was very helpful in learning some do's and don'ts verbiage for those we run into that are dealing with abuse.  Thank you for taking the time in this difficult subject.  



    ------------------------------
    C Hayes
    volunteer
    ARK of McCurtain County
    OK
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Community Conversations - 10/20/2025 - Supporting Someone Experiencing Domestic Violence

    Posted 30 days ago

    Thanks everyone for joining! I hope we can continue this conversation! Please email me if you want to talk more - griffiethjl@gmail.com

    Here are some resources: 

    Links for someone who is causing harm:

    https://www.joinonelove.org/learn/how-to-help-a-friend-who-may-be-abusing-their-partner/

    https://masscasualtycommission.ca/files/documents/How-to-talk-to-someone-who-abuses-their-partner-Nova-Scotia-Advisory-Council-on-the-Status-of-Women.pdf 

    https://www.thehotline.org/resources/intervention-programs-for-abusive-behavior/ 

    https://www.thehotline.org/resources/am-i-hurting-my-partner/ 

    Supporting Survivors: 

    https://www.thehotline.org/resources/is-change-possible-in-an-abuser/ 

    https://www.hubbardhouse.org/how-do-i-talk-to-the-victim/ 

    https://opdv.ny.gov/start-conversation-be-better-ally-0 

    https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/create-your-personal-safety-plan/ 

    https://www.womenslaw.org/safety-planning 

    Lundy Bancroft Interview (Inside The Mindset of Domestic Abusers): 

    https://youtu.be/ywsTdzkiPF0?si=5d_J4NeYNHKNO3vm  



    ------------------------------
    Janel Griffieth
    Consultant
    N/A
    FL
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Community Conversations - 10/20/2025 - Supporting Someone Experiencing Domestic Violence

    Posted 29 days ago

    Thanks to the 116+ people and paws who joined us on today's Community Conversations call! The recording is now available to watch on-demand. Below you'll find a recap of today's call and the resources shared. 

    Call Recap

    Welcome from hosts


    Question of the Day: What is your favorite activity to help you transition from summer into fall?  

    National Updates


    Presentation: Supporting Someone Experiencing Domestic Violence


    Highlights from the Chat

    • "Stop asking "why do they stay" and start asking "why do they perpetrate violence on their partner?" - Rachel Cumming
    • "So thrilled about this conversation. It feels so rare that we get to talk about this side of things." - Jory Jolivet
    • "There is such a direct connection to violence against animals and violence against your romantic partner." - Rachel Cumming
    • "Great book. "Not Without My Pet" by Andrew M. Campbell" - Wanda Miller
    • "Never blame yourself.  Everyone deserves love and respect." - Kat Rollins
    • "Please don't ask them why they didn't leave sooner!" - Lori Leberman
    • "Very good info & advice. As people who want to help, it becomes natural to "take the earrings out" & try to dive in & fix the problem." - Marion Barbato
    • "I think it's so amazing that we're talking about this in a work environment. This is such a huge step forward from ten years ago when it wasn't talked about because its "home problems." - Rachel Cumming
    • "It should be talked about, because what happens at home often impacts how we function in public." - Wanda Miller
    • "The motto "the personal is political" attributed to Carol Hanisch is still relevant today." - Rachel Cumming
    • "This is an AMAZING presentation! Thanks to everyone involved!" - Wanda Miller
    • "One of the best of these EVER. She is awesome!" - Bob Amic
    • "Ja'nel sais quois!!!" - Jory Jolivet
    • "Thank you so much, Janel... awesome presentation on such a difficult topic!!!!" - Mary Flores
    • "That was so informative. Thank you, Janel, lots to think about. Fantastic presentation!" - Jyothi Robertson
    • "Janel you are such an engaging presenter! Didn't look at my phone once!" - Rachel Cumming
    • "I love that you are focused on holding the abuser accountable.  Definitely an issue." - Ann McCague
    • "Everyone needs to look out for one another.  Teamwork is more powerful than dealing with the pain alone." - Kat Rollins
    • "I think it's important to never give up on anyone who's going through difficult times. People are complicated and healing takes time." - Wanda Miller
    • "Amazing presentation and slide deck!!!!!!" - Shannon Kelly
    • "Thank you for bringing this topic to animal welfare. really appreciate your wisdom and how you present this in such a practical way." - Nadia Oseguera-Ramon
    • "Psychotherapy in my earlier years and most recently has empowered me.  I feel stronger than ever, and I love sharing any experiences I have had to help others in relating to them.  Never judge anyone dealing with domestic abuse." - Kat Rollins



    ------------------------------
    Sheila Kouhkan
    Senior Education Specialist
    Maddie's Fund
    CA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


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