Palatine organization supports Safe Paws program for abuse survivors and their pets

A Palatine-based group of professional women raised money Sunday to support the pet program of A Safe Place, which assists survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.

The fundraiser hosted by C.A.T.I.F. (Celebrating All That Is Feminine) at the Palatine American Legion Post 690 aimed to raise $10,000 for the Lake County-based organization’s Safe Paws program.

“When an individual flees a domestic violence situation, they can bring their pet with them, so that way they’re not leaving them to be harmed or killed or given away or sold,” said Chris Lucheck, chief of residential services at A Safe Place.

According to organizers, about 48% of domestic abuse survivors delay leaving because they can’t take their pets with them. Less than 20% of domestic violence shelters in the U.S. accept pets, they said.

A Safe Place has two pet-inclusive bedrooms, plus a small kennel, an outdoor area and a large dog run. It has hosted dogs, cats, birds and even rabbits and hamsters.

Lucheck said crisis line calls rose more than 600% during the COVID pandemic and haven’t yet returned to prepandemic levels.

She said A Safe Place has bought land in Grayslake for a new emergency shelter and is running a capital campaign to raise funds to build it.

Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz attended Sunday’s event and said groups like C.A.T.I.F. are the backbone of the community.

“We’re just very lucky to have these types of organizations,” he said.

Past C.A.T.I.F. beneficiaries have included WINGS, Erika’s Lighthouse and the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center.

“What we’re about are women and children helping women and children,” said C.A.T.I.F. founder Kara Cermak.

szalusky@dailyherald.com