"Courageous Together" Statue by Artist Kristen
Visbal Unveiled in NYC Depicting Brave First Step of a Domestic
Abuse Survivor and Her Beloved Dog
NEW
YORK, May 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Purina is
teaming up with actress, producer, advocate and founder of the
Joyful Heart Foundation, Mariska
Hargitay to unveil "Courageous Together," a new statue by
renowned "Fearless Girl" artist Kristen
Visbal depicting a woman and her dog, connected by a purple
leash and taking a courageous first step forward, together, as
survivors leaving their abuser. The statue was commissioned as part
of the Purple Leash Project, an initiative led by Purina and the
nonprofit, RedRover, that aims to help more domestic violence
shelters become pet-friendly so that survivors with pets can escape
abuse and heal together. Currently, fewer than 20% of domestic
violence shelters in the U.S. allow pets.
"It's hard to overstate the life-saving role a pet can play in
helping a victim survive the isolation that is so prevalent in
abusive situations, and how wrenching the choice can be to leave a
pet behind if a survivor decides to leave their abuser," said
Mariska Hargitay. "I deeply admire
the Purple Leash Project's vision and understanding of how a
pet—and a leash—can be a lifeline for a survivor. I join them in
their commitment to helping survivors reclaim lives of hope,
possibility and joy—lives filled with the pets that have
accompanied them on their journey!"
Startling statistics reveal that nearly half of domestic
violence survivors delay leaving abusive situations because they
cannot bring their pets with them. Pet lovers like Hargitay, whose
family includes dog, Kaia and cat, Karma, know first-hand how
powerful the human-pet bond can be and why leaving a pet behind is
a choice no survivor should have to make.
"Courageous Together" compels passersby to confront the harsh
reality of domestic violence and the unique challenges survivors
face when seeking safety for themselves and their pets. Viewed
publicly for the first time today in Times Square, Purina will be
taking the statue to various locations across the country
throughout the year, stopping first at the Westminster Kennel Club
Dog Show May 11-14, 2024, in
Queens, New York.
By raising awareness, Purina hopes to help drive fundamental
change to the landscape of domestic violence services for survivors
with pets, so no survivor has to choose between their own safety
and the safety of their pet.
"Art has an incredible way of opening minds and starting
conversations, and 'Courageous Together' is meant to do both as we
continue to shine a light on the journey that domestic abuse
survivors with pets face," said Nina Leigh
Krueger, CEO of Purina. "We're proud to link arms with
Kristen and Mariska who both use their respective art as a platform
to drive meaningful conversations and positive change and who both
fully embrace the mission of the Purple Leash Project."
Artist Kristen Visbal, best known
for her "Fearless Girl" statue in New
York's financial district, sees her latest project as
another opportunity to empower women, and all survivors of abuse,
to stand up for themselves and each other. Like so many people who
learn about the connection between domestic abuse and pets, Visbal,
a pet lover, was inspired to cast survivors' courage and
partnership with their pets in this larger-than-life
statue.
"I envision this statue empowering those trapped in violence to
step out – along with their pets – and to begin the healing process
together," said Visbal. "Imagine the impact on domestic violence
we, as supporters, could have if only we address the barriers which
hinder survivor freedom!"
An innovative partnership between Purina and nonprofit RedRover,
the Purple Leash Project provides resources and support to help
domestic violence shelters across the U.S. become pet-friendly
emerged from Purina's mission to strengthen the bond between pets
and people, alongside RedRover's mission to provide care and
support to animals and their owners during times of crisis. Since
2019, Purina and RedRover have provided 48 Purple Leash Project
grants to domestic violence shelters across the country.
For more information about the Purple Leash Project and Purina's
commitment to supporting survivors of domestic violence, or to make
a donation visit Purina.com/Together.
About Purina
Nestlé Purina PetCare creates richer lives for pets and the people
who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats
live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based
nutritional innovations.
Purina manufactures some of the world's most trusted and popular
pet care products, including Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Friskies and
Tidy Cats. Our more than 11,000 U.S. associates take pride in our
trusted pet food, treat and litter brands that feed 46 million dogs
and 68 million cats every year. More than 500 Purina scientists,
veterinarians, and pet care experts ensure our commitment to
unsurpassed quality and nutrition.
Over the past five years, Purina has contributed more
than $150 million towards organizations that bring, and
keep, people and pets together, as well as those that help our
communities and environment thrive. Purina is part of Nestlé, a
global leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness. For more
information, visit purina.com or subscribe here to get the
latest Purina news.
About RedRover
Since 1987, RedRover has focused on
bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the human-animal
bond through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services,
financial assistance, and education. To learn how RedRover is
creating a more compassionate world,
visit RedRover.org.
About Joyful Heart
Founded by Mariska Hargitay, Joyful
Heart is a leading national organization with a mission to
transform society's response to sexual assault, domestic violence,
and child abuse, and support survivors' healing. For twenty years,
the Joyful Heart Foundation has carried out its mission through an
integrated program portfolio of awareness building and advocacy.
Our work is paving the way for innovative approaches to healing for
professionals and first responders working directly with survivors
such as, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE), advocates, and law
enforcement; igniting shifts in the way the public views and
responds to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse; and
informing policies and legislation to ensure access to justice for
survivors.
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SOURCE Purina