DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS

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 KSR’s programming for survivors and children who witness and/or experience abuse focuses on animal and nature/outdoor experiences work. Working with horses and dogs, and numerous mindfulness activities helps to enhance self-confidence and regain autonomy after experiencing forms of assault. Survivors will have access to these activities in addition to the option of utilizing KSR’s location as a quiet distraction for those involved of all ages. The benefits of spending time in nature on a hike, enjoying the river, or an animal, for example, has been proven to be significantly healing. This is offered both in a program format, as well as independently.

KSR’s Equine Program is an integral aspect of DVS’s programs. KSR’s home base, Abenaki Farm, is known for its focus and reputation for teaching how to develop a connection with horses. The connection is established by cultivating an understanding of the horse, their mind, their actions and their reactions, through horsemanship/groundwork, sometimes mounted tasks, and an understanding of the herd dynamic. This foundation, to include breath work and energy manipulation, helps to build essential life skills directly translating to a person’s daily life. 

The culmination of our program, includes:

• Self-confidence through mastering new challenges with horses
• Mindfulness of one's own energy and mindset
• Connection to another living being
• Patience in building trust and communication
• Problem-solving skills when navigating urgent or difficult situations

Another piece to KSR’s DVS programs is assisting with pets. A 2017 study showed that 89% of women who had companion animals during an abusive relationship reported that their animals were threatened, harmed, or killed by their abusive partner. Domestic violence, child abuse, and animal abuse frequently occur simultaneously in a family.

Women with pets may delay leaving a dangerous environment for fear of their pets’ safety. (www.sheriffs.org/Animal-Cruelty-and-Domestic-Violence). Because safe houses and shelters very rarely can accommodate survivors’ pets, KSR incorporates the unique service of fostering these pets in a safe, caring environment thus giving survivors the confidence to leave and the comfort of not only knowing their pet is safe but have the ability to visit and spend time with their pet during this difficult time. If circumstances lead to the person having to relinquish their pet, KSR can also assist in finding the right home for that animal.