Domestic Violence and Pet Abuse

Domestic violence occurs in all cultures and in every economic class.  When we think about domestic violence we usually only picture the victim and children (if the victim has children) who are affected by the violence.  However, research has shown that family pets can also be affected by domestic violence.  According to the American Humane Society, 71% of pet owning women entering women's shelters reported that their abuser had injured, maimed, killed or threatened family pets for revenge or to psychologically control their victims.  More than half of the animal abuse cases occur in the presence of the abused women, and 75% of the cases happened in front of the children.  Between 25% and 40% of the abused women do not leave their abuser because, they worry about what will happen to their pets if they leave. 

The American Veterinary Medicare Association (AVMA), American Medical Association (AMA), National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), local governments, communities, and animal shelters have recognized the impact of domestic violence on family pets and the abused women.  Social workers now recognize that domestic violence victims may be hesitate to leave their abuser because of their pets. Some veterinary schools have also added abuse recognition training to their curriculum.     

In America 98% of Americans consider their pets to be a member of their family, and they provide strong emotional support for the people being abused.  If we feel so strongly about our pets, some kind of action needs to be taken to help these victims safely leave with their pets.  The American Humane Society lists some great things advocates can do for these victims with pets.

·         Help victims retrieve animals left behind

·         Help victims find pet friendly transitional and permanent housing

·         Work with animal shelters, veterinarians, and rescue groups to establish “safe haven” foster care programs for the animal victims of domestic violence

To view the complete list visit the American Humane Society’s website.

I believe it is great how more people are taking notice to the relationship between domestic violence and animal abuse.  No person should have to subject themselves to a violent household, and a pet should not be abused or used as a way to control or threaten the victim.