Valiant Voices:
Conversations with Human Rights Advocates and Survivors
Amplifying Global Conversations
About the Series
Valiant Voices is a series that features conversations between human rights advocates and survivors, addressing injustice and disrupting oppressive systems that cause harm. These are the stories of powerful leaders creating change in their communities and around the world.
We are also grateful Valiant Voices has been funded in part by the Global Awareness Fund of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation.
Recent episode
No Pet Left Behind: Intersection of GBV and Animal Welfare
Presenters : Madeline Bernstein, Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (SPCA-LA), Orazie Cook, Pralines Backyard Foundation, Jennifer Polzin, Tubman
Facilitator: Patricia Cumbie, Communications Manager, Global Rights for Women
The exploitation and abuse of animals is fundamentally related to the domination and abuse of women. Research has shown there is a direct link between cruelty to animals and abuse of people. People who abuse animals are five times more likely to engage in domestic violence, child abuse and other violent behavior impacting communities. The people who abuse both animals and people also share a common mindset of entitlement to subjugate, oppress and exploit based on a belief of superiority.
Almost half (48%) of victim-survivors experiencing domestic violence will not leave the relationship if it means leaving their pet behind. Additionally, abusers use this leverage to further coerce and control their partners, as 89% of survivors said their partners threatened, harmed or killed their animals. From that perspective, there are many connections to be made with animal rights and the anti-gender-based violence movements, including pushing for pet-friendly laws and policies that support survivors of violence. Join us for a conversation about current innovations that address this particular barrier to justice for animals and human victims of violence.
Amitheni Keefe, DAP
“We have a high regard for Global Rights for Women and have been grateful for the work, influence, and platform you provide for both the movement and the community.”
Explore past conversations
![Addressing [Mis]Representation: LGBTQ Narratives Sparking Change](https://globalrightsforwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Addressing-MisRepresentation-LGBTQ-Narratives-Sparking-Change.png)
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Join the global movement to end gender-based violence.
Get updates from the Global Rights for Women team about the work around the world to ensure justice for survivors and how you can advocate for ending gender-based violence in your community.