Apples in Winter Farm is dedicated to empowering smallholders struggling to escape domestic violence.
We strive to provide safe and supportive transitional housing, resources, networking, and support for survivors of domestic violence along with their farm animals. Many farmers struggle to escape abuse because of their responsibility to the animals in their care, risking their own lives.
With compassion and knowledge, we support survivors as they secure independent living arrangements, fostering healing, self-sufficiency, and a future free from abuse.
(Please be patient while our site is under construction. We're adding more every day! 8.17.2023)
Rural victims of intimate partner violence face unique challenges in escaping abuse.
social stigmas
Religion and societal norms in rural America influence attitudes towards survivors, making it more difficult to find support.
Pets & Livestock
71% of women in domestic violence shelters report their abuser threatened, injured or killed a pet.
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Firearm Access
Rural areas have higher firearm ownership for both practical and cultural reasons, but the presence of weapons in the home can escalate domestic violence risk.
local resources
71% of women in domestic violence shelters report their abuser threatened, injured or killed a pet.
Social Stigmas & Religious Interpretations Trap Survivors
Religious beliefs and societal norms in rural America influence attitudes towards survivors of domestic violence, often reinforcing patriarchal norms or emphasizing forgiveness and preservation of the family unit over the safety and well-being of survivors.
What can you do?
Underreporting: Rural areas have higher rates of underreporting of domestic violence cases due to cultural norms that discourage victims from seeking help outside of their communities.
Patriarchal Norms: Religious beliefs and societal norms in rural communities can reinforce traditional gender roles, where women are expected to be subservient to men, making it difficult for survivors to speak out.
Emphasis on Forgiveness: In some religious or cultural contexts, there can be a strong emphasis on forgiveness and reconciliation, which may discourage survivors from seeking justice or leaving abusive situations.
Limited Resources: Rural areas often have fewer resources for survivors of domestic violence, such as shelters, support groups, and legal services, which can further influence attitudes and available options for survivors.
Stigma and Shame: Victims of domestic violence in rural communities may face higher levels of stigma and shame, as close-knit communities may be less understanding or supportive of survivors leaving abusive relationships.
Institutional Barriers: In some cases, religious institutions or community leaders may play a role in discouraging survivors from seeking help or pursuing legal remedies.
Concerns for Pets & Livestock Prevent Survivors From Leaving
Abusers often use animals for the purpose of exacting revenge or exerting control over their human victim.
Most domestic violence shelters do not allow survivors to bring pets.
What can you do?
71% of women in domestic violence shelters report their abuser threatened, injured or killed a pet.
87% of animal abuse incidents committed by the batterer in an abusive relationship are committed in the presence of their partners.
25% of survivors return to an abuser because the abuser is using their pet as a means of control.
Increased Access to Firearms
As many as 25% of survivors will return because the abuser is using their pet as a means to get the person back.
40% of women murdered in the United States are killed by a current or former intimate partner.
40% of women murdered in the United States are killed by a current or former intimate partner.
What can you do?
Limited Local Resources & Communication Infrastructure
29% of rural Americans lack access to fixed broadband at speeds of at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, compared to just 2% of urban Americans.
Other Challenges to Connectivity:
Rural Americans without
access to broadband.
Urban Americans without
access to broadband.
SOURCE: The FCC's 2020 Broadband Deployment Report
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Rural areas typically have fewer internet service providers (ISPs) compared to urban areas, leading to limited competition and higher costs for internet services.
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The lack of reliable internet access in rural communities can hinder students' ability to participate in online learning and access educational resources.
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Limited internet access can impede economic growth and job opportunities in rural areas, as businesses and entrepreneurs may struggle to connect with markets and customers.
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The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of telemedicine, but limited internet access in rural areas can prevent residents from accessing remote healthcare services.
How Apples in Winter Farm Sanctuary Can Help
educating communities
Moving with a pet can be hard enough, but when a survivor has to coordinate escaping abuse with moving and caring for livestock, the challenges can feel incredibly overwhelming, and many farmers simply won't leave at all.
We strive to be a network of temporary foster homes and permanent placements for farm animals, so that none are left behind, and survivors can focus on rebuilding, giving them the opportunity to rebuild a more secure life and home for themselves and their animals, or allowing them the opportunity for a "fresh start" knowing their animals are well cared for.
Providing shelter
Moving with a pet can be hard enough, but when a survivor has to coordinate escaping abuse with moving and caring for livestock, the challenges can feel incredibly overwhelming, and many farmers simply won't leave at all.
We strive to be a network of temporary foster homes and permanent placements for farm animals, so that none are left behind, and survivors can focus on rebuilding, giving them the opportunity to rebuild a more secure life and home for themselves and their animals, or allowing them the opportunity for a "fresh start" knowing their animals are well cared for. We also work to connect survivors to domestic violence shelters that allow animals.
protecting from abusers
Moving with a pet can be hard enough, but when a survivor has to coordinate escaping abuse with moving and caring for livestock, the challenges can feel incredibly overwhelming, and many farmers simply won't leave at all.
We strive to be a network of temporary foster homes and permanent placements for farm animals, so that none are left behind, and survivors can focus on rebuilding, giving them the opportunity to rebuild a more secure life and home for themselves and their animals, or allowing them the opportunity for a "fresh start" knowing their animals are well cared for.
Providing communication
Moving with a pet can be hard enough, but when a survivor has to coordinate escaping abuse with moving and caring for livestock, the challenges can feel incredibly overwhelming, and many farmers simply won't leave at all.
We strive to be a network of temporary foster homes and permanent placements for farm animals, so that none are left behind, and survivors can focus on rebuilding, giving them the opportunity to rebuild a more secure life and home for themselves and their animals, or allowing them the opportunity for a "fresh start" knowing their animals are well cared for.
Not able to donate? There's still so many ways you can make a difference.
Your donations mean the world to us, but there are so many things you can do to help rural domestic violence survivors, even if you can't afford to donate, or just aren't ready...
We'll help provide you with some of the resources that can help you run educational programs, talk to local representatives, and more.
Educate
Host a program in your local community group to help others understand the nature of the problem.
Advocate
Write to your local representatives to encourage them to focus on issues that make a difference to domestic violence survivors:
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bringing cellular and internet infrastructure to rural areas
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funding DV shelters that allow survivors to bring their animals to safety
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keeping firearms out of the hands of violent DV offenders
Educate
Host a program in your local community group to help others understand the nature of the problem.