YWCA Cincinnati Bark Out Against Battering Event Is October 25

I’m looking forward to participating again in the annual Bark Out Against Battering event next Saturday, October 25 at Washington Park (1230 Elm Street across from Music Hall).

The benefit for YWCA Cincinnati is to raise awareness about the partnership between SPCA Cincinnati and local YWCA domestic violence shelters.

Local 12 anchor Paula Toti will be the emcee for this family event.  The Pet Parade will begin at 12:00 followed by a pet costume contest (please only dress your pet if his body language tells you he is not stressed wearing it). Registration begins at 11am. There were also be a Pet Trick-or-Treat, where attendees can walk their pets from one booth to another for a small treat from a local pet shop or service non-profit. There will be Food trucks, a pet Photo Booth and animal adoptions as well as some really awesome Raffle Prizes.

The festivities begin at 11 am and conclude by 1:30 pm.

This event will help to connect the link between domestic violence and animal abuse. Not only is cruelty to animals frequently both an indicator and predictor of interpersonal, family, and community violence, but an alarming number of women report that threats to their companion and farm animals prevent them from leaving abusive relationships. This event will allow the YWCA Domestic Violence Shelter and Women Helping Women to further emphasize that connection. Funds raised will help to support the Domestic Violence Shelter’s efforts to work with the SPCA in removing the worry women have, by assisting in providing protective shelter for pets during the women’s stay in shelter.

For more information about the YWCA, other Domestic Violence Awareness Month events, and ways to help abused animals please visit: www.ywcacincinnati.org , www.womenhelpingwomen.org , www.spcacincinnati.org

There is also a Facebook page.