Matt Proman, CEO and Founder of NAPW, Supports Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Program to Keep Pets Safe for Victims of Domestic Violence
Nassau County, NY (PRWEB) July 14, 2014 -- The Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NCSPCA) new program offers free pet protection to victims of domestic violence who have fled to The Safe Center LI. Today Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano announced this new program and was joined by New York State Assemblyman Dave McDonough; Dr. John Imhof, Commissioner of the Nassau County Department of Social Services and Chairman of the County’s Task Force on Family Violence; Bob Sowers, President of the Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; Sandy Oliva and Cynthia Scott, Executive Directors of The Safe Center LI; and Gary Rogers, Nassau County’s Animal Emergency Coordinator and SPCA member; and Leigh Buchman, Safe Center Crisis Center Coordinator.
“According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence,” explains Matt Proman, Founder and CEO of the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW), “up to 40% of domestic violence victims are unable to escape their abusers because they are concerned about what will happen to their pets when they leave. That’s why this new NCSPCA program is an invaluable service to our community, the victims of domestic violence, their families and their pets as it provides life-saving option for all involved.”
Additionally, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence:
- 71% of pet owners entering domestic violence shelters report that their batterer has threatened, injured or killed family pets.
- One study found that 87% of batterer-perpetrated incidents of pet abuse are committed in the presence of their partners for the purpose of revenge or control.
- Victims of domestic violence have been known to live in their cars for as long as four months until an opening was available at a pet-friendly safe house or shelter.
“The National Association of Professional Women is a proud partner of NCSPCA and the charitable work they do for battered women, their families and their pets,” explains Matt Proman. “Designed to protect women and save lives, this important program also brings attention to the issue of domestic violence and the often forgotten aspect of its connection to animal abuse as a way to control women.”
NAPW has committed over $50,000 to the incredible work of NCSPCA and promises a commitment of another $50,000 to further this important mission. Star Jones, NAPW President and National Spokesperson said, “After having open-heart surgery, I was prescribed a service animal. It is my sweet, loving service dog Pinky’s job to help me keep heart healthy. She has literally been a lifesaver. I commend the profound goal of NCSPCA to address and come to the aid of domestic violence victims and their pets. If ever there was a time when these women need their pets, it’s now!”
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in four women in the United States will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Half of domestic violence survivors report that they delayed leaving an abusive situation because they feared for their pets’ safety.
Research clearly shows that offenders of domestic violence often have a pattern of abuse involving all members of the household – including children and pets. When victims of domestic violence seek to escape their abusive homes they’re faced with the challenge of finding shelter for themselves, their children and their pets. Unfortunately, many shelters do not have the means to house companion animals and many victims are left facing the difficult decision to either leave their pets behind or remain in the abusive environment. Sadly, many victims stay in abusive homes for fear of subjecting their animals to continued abuse, if left behind. Equally disturbing, animals are often left with their abusers to face torture or even death.
To quote County Executive Mangano in his press conference speech, “Domestic violence victims are often reluctant to seek shelter because they don’t want to leave their pets behind in an unsafe environment. The SPCA and The Safe Center are partnering to help victims by assuring them that their pets will be well-cared for by the SPCA at no cost to the victim or taxpayers.”
“NCSPCA is a nonprofit that relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers,” explained Matt Proman. “I urge everyone to get involved, whether by making a monetary donation, volunteering an hour a month of your time or simply donating some pet food, it’s a great way to give back to the community while making a positive difference in the lives of the victims of domestic violence, their families and their pets.”
Anyone interested in getting involved with The Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, should visit their website today. Your generous contribution will help the NCSPCA in all of its efforts.
Domestic violence victims can call The Safe Center Hotline at (516) 542-0404 for assistance regarding safety planning and shelter. The Nassau County SPCA will visit The Safe Center LI to pick up the pet(s) and bring them to a private facility for housing and veterinarian care.
About Nassau County SPCA
Located in Nassau County, New York, The Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization originally designed to protect animals in the county from abuse and neglect, and to provide basic welfare. We hold special authority to enforce NYS Agriculture & Markets Law, and all other state and local humane laws. We are the only animal protection agency officially designated to operate within the county's borders. The NCSPCA is a volunteer organization dedicated to the rescue, care and placement of needy animals. The Society is run entirely by unpaid volunteers and its operations have been historically funded through contributions solicited from the public and through corporate grants.
The NCSPCA receives no public funding, is in no way affiliated with, a subdivision of or funded by any other local, state or national organization and every contribution, large or small, helps to provide the critical care needed to help homeless, abused and neglected animals in Nassau County. The continued success of each program relies entirely on donations. No money given to any other SPCA organization aids or benefits the NCSPCA. Your generous contribution will help the NCSPCA in all of its efforts.
ABOUT MATT PROMAN
Matt Proman has more than 12 years of experience in business-to-business, membership services, and career development networking. He has tailored his expertise in establishing innovative and efficient ways for people to nationally maximize their networking opportunities through social and professional online networking forums. Matthew is responsible for all the day-to-day operations of NAPW, including operations, sales, technology and marketing. Matt’s experience in sales and marketing allowed him to develop a unique and tremendously successful direct mail marketing strategy that has helped him grow NAPW. In 2001, prior to NAPW, Mr. Proman founded Cambridge Publishing. Cambridge was a Long Island-based publishing company specializing in business-to-business and business-to-consumer networking. Its primary market targeted executives, professionals and entrepreneurs. Within five years the company grew from under 10 to over 200 employees and sales went from $5 million to over $40 million.
ABOUT NAPW
NAPW defines success as “owning your own power.” As the largest, most-recognized organization of professional women in the country, spanning virtually every industry and profession, the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) is a powerfully vibrant networking community with over 600,000 members and nearly 300 Local Chapters. NAPW members have diverse backgrounds, beliefs, perspectives and lifestyles with one common bond – their ability to succeed.
NAPW’s mission is to provide an exclusive, highly advanced networking forum to successful women executives, professionals and entrepreneurs where they can aspire, connect and achieve. Through innovative resources, unique tools and progressive benefits, professional women interact, exchange ideas, advance their knowledge and empower each other.
For additional information regarding NAPW, visit http://www.napw.com
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Bob Sowers, NCSPCA, http://www.nassaucountyspca.org, +1 516-356-2568, [email protected]
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