In the world of dog shows, we celebrate connection, excellence, and community. But when abuse or misconduct occurs, that same community can suddenly feel isolating—especially if you’re not sure who to turn to. That’s why SHOW–SAFE’s Victim Services exist: to offer confidential, compassionate support to anyone in the dog show world impacted by abuse or misconduct.

Whether you’re facing an unsafe situation right now or carrying the weight of something that happened long ago, we’re here—without judgment, without pressure, and without delay.

What Services Do We Offer?

Immediate Response Helpline (24/7)
A real-time, confidential helpline for when you’re in an unsafe or uncomfortable situation and need to explore your options for safety.

Aftercare Services
Personalized, longer-term survivor support focused on healing, stability, and empowerment—available when you’re ready, at your own pace.

Both services are built on trust, privacy, and the understanding that no two journeys are the same.

Who Can Reach Out—and Why?

Anyone in the dog show community—regardless of age, gender, income, role, or club affiliation. We respond to all forms of abuse and misconduct, including:

Elder abuse
Physical or sexual abuse
Emotional abuse or harassment
Domestic violence
Grooming or bullying
Stalking or exploitation
Human trafficking
Neglect of basic needs

If it makes you feel unsafe, it matters. If you’re unsure, call anyway—we’ll help you sort it out.

Our Role Regarding Offenders

SHOW-SAFE is a victim-centered organization. While we take a zero-tolerance stance against all forms of abuse and misconduct, our role does not include identifying, investigating, or restricting individual offenders—that responsibility belongs to law enforcement, the courts, clubs, and the AKC.

What we do is Recognize. Respond. Restore. We work with our community to recognize risks and warning signs to help prevent harm; we respond with resources and compassionate, victim-centered support; and we work to restore safety, healing, and trust—both for individuals and for the sport as a whole.

Through advocacy, education, and community collaboration, we champion policies and practices that make it clear: offenders are not welcome here, and victims are never alone. 

What to Expect When You Reach Out

You’ll speak with a trained member of our small, dedicated team—currently just three people—who follow strict processes to protect your confidentiality. Others affiliated with SHOW–SAFE do not have access to caller information.

We’ll listen and never push as we provide options to help you figure out what you need to feel safer and begin healing. We mobilize information and resources to meet your current need, whether that is arranging a safe place for the night, helping file a police report, connecting you to mental health services, or simply being there so you’re not alone.

We cannot provide 911-level emergency response and we are not mental health professionals. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 988. Once the crisis has stabilized, we are here to help you navigate what comes next. 

Your experience, your timeline, your choice.

In Their Words

These are what others who have accessed our victim services have had to say:

“I felt so alone until I called SHOW–SAFE. All of a sudden I had the support I needed, and the trajectory of my life changed.”

“SHOW-SAFE is proof that things really can get better. They gave me the foundation to make the first steps possible—because those are usually the hardest.”

Why Victim Services Matter for All of Us

At its best, the dog show world is built on respect, sportsmanship, and a shared love of dogs. When abuse or misconduct happens, it harms not only the individual but the integrity of our entire community.

The reality is that these problems are not unique to our sport; they exist anywhere people gather. 

By offering direct victim services, we provide immediate protection and support for those who have experienced harm. And as healing begins, we walk alongside them in the journey from victim to survivor—fostering resilience, restoring trust, and ensuring that every person in our community has the opportunity to not just survive, but to truly thrive.

How to Reach Out

The most important thing you can do—for yourself or someone else—is to reach out.

Immediate Response Helpline (Available 24/7):
???? 1-859-203-8683

Aftercare Services:
Submit an application for support or email aftercare@show-safe.org for more information.

Learn More

www.show-safe.org