Our Family Services Domestic Violence Survivors and Pets

Our Family Services (OFS) will provide scattered-site transitional housing interventions, and shelter services to victims of domestic violence and their companion animals. The project will offer a comprehensive, evidence-based essential service to help survivors escape their abusive relationships while building an independent, healthy lifestyle.

OFS anticipates serving a minimum of 15 people during the 36-month grant period with 4,050 days of rent subsidies and an average of nine months of services. The services will include case management (450 contacts), counseling (90 contacts), living skills training, referrals for other services (30 follow-throughs), and follow-up (45 contacts) critical for their success. OFS will provide all services using evidence-based Trauma Informed Care, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction strategies.

In partnership with the University of Arizona – Southwest Institute for Research on Women (SIROW)we will collaborate on five trainings for 210 local partner representatives to ensure we properly identify survivors and refer them for appropriate services. To ensure sensitivity to the trauma of our clients, two of the training courses will focus on the trauma-informed care model. SIROW will also evaluate the program, ensuring compliance with all program objectives and outcomes.

The expected outcomes of the project include safe and secure housing for victims of domestic violence and their pets, reduction of domestic violence incidents, and increased awareness of the importance of pets in the lives of survivors of domestic abuse. 90% of participants will establish safe, stable housing, and 85% will have improvements in health, well-being, and stability.

OFS/SIROW will assess the progress of each client using evidence-based tools, and OFS/SIROW will compare initial assessments with post-service results at 6 and 12 months to confirm the achievement of these outcomes.

In conclusion, the proposed grant will assist victims of domestic violence and their pets by providing housing and shelter, counseling, and supportive services. OFS and SIROW will assess the progress of each client using evidence-based tools and will participate in training to help further spread awareness of domestic violence. The primary activities of the project and the expected outcomes will ensure that victims of domestic violence are provided with the resources they need to rebuild their lives and move on from abusive relationships.