"Warriors" has been a consistent term of resiliency throughout my life. As a young adult witnessing my best friend's "Warrior" journey and later passing with Cystic Fibrosis, this term became a source of strength and humility for him. My journey continued through my humble beginnings to my Air Force career, where "Warrior" week represented the time we ventured into the wilderness, emerging stronger through pain and struggle. It was during this period that I developed essential skills in survival, adaptability, leadership, and resiliency.
Later, my beloved "battle buddy" Harley and I endured a domestically violent relationship for three years, which compelled me to invest in my mental health and therapeutic supports after experiencing trauma from family violence and sexual assault, as well as from my own intimate partner violence. My therapy sessions highlighted the term "Warrior" as my trauma war cry. As I grew in my faith, which was crucial to my healing, I became a prayer "Warrior," surrendering my trauma and embracing the Armor of God, now standing as a soldier of the ultimate ADVOCATE.
As I pursued His will for me, I completed an internship at the Rockford Rescue Mission while working toward my Bachelor's of Science Degree in Psychology. During this internship, I initiated a support group called "W.a.r.r.;.o.r.s." for the homeless Women's Shelter, an acronym for Wounded Hearts Pursuing Restoration Within Our Broken Society. This group marked the beginning of my lifelong mission to support domestic violence survivors.
Later, I brought this group to my role as a Domestic Violence Advocate and Group Facilitator for Remedies Renewing Lives. I facilitated this group for three years, offering support to both residential and non-residential survivors of intimate partner violence. Many participants who began on day one remain actively engaged to this day. Additionally, my role as a Partner Abuse Intervention Program (PAIP) Co-Facilitator at the Resource Intervention Center (RIC), along with providing legal advocacy services for survivors affected by DCFS involvement in Juvenile and OP Court, underscored the interconnected issues of violence and trauma tearing families apart.
This work emphasized that "TRAUMA" was not only central to my painful journey but also to the lives of many impacted by violence in our community today. While our community is fortunate to have numerous resources and support for domestic violence survivors, organizations across the nation are overwhelmed by the ongoing crisis and homelessness needs. This issue is compounded by the fact that many survivors, seeking emergency housing and pet-friendly shelters, face barriers when attempting to flee violence with their pets.
As a DV Advocate, I encountered obstacles providing alternative supports to survivors in crisis with their pets. My options were limited to out-of-state shelters, contingent on availability, and other nationwide resources that depended on funding or local pet caregivers. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 71% of domestic violence survivors reported threats of violence or injury to their pets. In my abusive relationship, my dog Harley and I were subjected to physical and mental abuse. At one point, Harley suffered from a traumatic brain injury after being slammed against a metal door, and I felt I had failed to protect my "battle buddy" due to fears regarding safety, resources, and reporting.
Years later, Harley battled neurological issues and aggression, along with seizures that occurred weekly. Eventually, I left that abusive relationship and regained my independence, driven to become the advocate I wished I had during my own crisis.
Through collaboration and training with the Red Rover Program, Don't Forget the Pets, and Besty B'n'B, we are now addressing the crisis that survivors of trauma face regarding their pets. Like me, nearly half of survivors avoid leaving their pets by remaining in violent relationships. Approximately 75% of those who choose to leave their pets in harmful environments do so to seek their own safety and resources. Sadly, around 25% of survivors return to toxic situations out of fear for their pets' safety. This human-animal trauma bond poses a significant challenge for domestic violence survivors, as well as those affected by other forms of family violence, sexual assault, and veteran homelessness. These ongoing crises are experienced daily in our community, reinforcing the urgent need for comprehensive trauma-informed advocacy and support.
- W.a.r.r.;.o.r.s. Trauma Rescue Founder Chantyl Outzen
