Aly Raisman Honored with Courage Award for Advocacy in Domestic Violence Awareness

Aly Raisman Honored with Courage Award by Purina

In a powerful culmination of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, world champion gymnast and activist Aly Raisman was celebrated at the 2025 Variety Power of Women event held on October 29. The award, presented by Jordan Chiles, honored Raisman for her unwavering commitment to advocating for survivors of abuse and promoting the critical connection between humans and their pets in recovery. This aligns closely with the Purple Leash Project, a collaboration between Purina and RedRover aimed at making domestic violence shelters more accommodating for pets, reinforcing the idea that survivors should not have to choose between their safety and their beloved animals.

During the event, Raisman, revered not just for her athletic achievements but also for her advocacy skills, expressed her gratitude while highlighting how her dog, Mylo, has been pivotal in her healing process. "Healing is like a path without a map. It just takes time," she stated. Her experience illustrates both the personal and communal dimensions of healing — where love, whether from pets or people, fosters recovery in times of trauma. Furthermore, Raisman emphasized a staggering statistic: nearly half of domestic abuse survivors delay their decision to leave due to concerns over their pets. This insight is crucial because it underscores the necessity for shelters to adapt and foster pet-friendly environments.

In her heartfelt speech, Raisman articulated, "One source of hope for me has been my dog, Mylo. Almost five years ago today, I adopted him. It's hard to put into words the impact that Mylo has had on my life. He reminds me to never take for granted the love, safety, and gift of being present."

The Purple Leash Project, introduced in 2019, aims to address this gap by facilitating grants to shelters that want to welcome pets, aiming to increase the percentage of pet-friendly shelters from under 10% to nearly 20%. "Making these shelters pet-friendly saves more lives, both two-legged and four-legged," asserted Katie Campbell, President and CEO of RedRover. Through initiatives such as these, the conversation about shelter accommodations becomes more pronounced, advocating for legislative and institutional change to safeguard both survivors and their pets.

Nina Leigh Krueger, CEO of Purina, remarked on Raisman's courage and her willingness to use her voice for change. She noted, "Aly Raisman's willingness to advocate for survivors and prevent future abuse by sharing her own experience is a remarkable example of courage in action." This acknowledgment underlines the powerful narrative that emerges when personal stories of survival intersect with broader social initiatives.

In the previous year, Sarah Hyland was the inaugural recipient of the Variety Courage Award, which points to an emerging trend within the entertainment industry to leverage celebrity influence for social good. Raisman’s recognition, a continuation of this tradition, highlights the continual need for voices supportive of survivors, which resonates within various communities and beyond.

Those who wish to support the initiative can contribute through the Courageous Together collection, a curated selection of products created to empower survivors, where 100% of the proceeds go to RedRover.

As we honor Aly Raisman and her incredible journey, it’s vital to recognize that the fight against domestic abuse is ongoing, and understanding the unique challenges survivors face—including their connections with pets—is the first step towards nurturing a more compassionate and supportive society. To learn more about the Purple Leash Project and contribute to the cause, individuals can visit Purina’s site.

Through her actions and words, Aly Raisman has illuminated the path toward healing, advocating for those often left voiceless and reminding us that the bond with our pets can serve as a beacon of hope in dark times.