SAFE HAVEN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTER

While living in New York, I came across an article about the first domestic violence shelter opening in the state that allows survivors to bring their pets into shelter with them. Most shelters do not let survivors do this, so many stay in abusive situations in order to keep their pet(s) safe. I knew I had to get involved and support this mission, which is very close to me.

Over the span of a year, I consistently visited the shelter to 1. document the experience of survivors and their pets - with a focus on showing how important the human / animal bond is in healing 2. lead an arts therapy workshop, and 3. photograph staff and other elements of the shelter for use in marketing materials.

In the photography element, I was not allowed to photograph any faces or defining details about the shelter and its location, due to safety concerns, which of course made the project a bit more difficult.

At the time, I was also pursuing a Minor at the Silver School of Social Work at NYU, which informed my work and relationships with the shelter survivors.