When a person experiences violence in a relationship, it is scary, exhausting, humiliating, and ultimately life-threatening. Pet owners facing domestic violence may also find their pets targeted as a way to further induce pain and suffering and inflict control. Sadly, it is common for victims to endure ongoing abuse rather than seek safety if that safety means abandoning their animals.
The link between animal welfare and domestic violence has been firmly established, and the research is startling. The grim statistics include:
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As many as 48% of battered women delay leaving abusive situations because they worry what will happen to their pets (Ascione, 2007)
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71% of pet-owning women entering a shelter reported that their husband or boyfriend killed, harmed, or threatened an animal (Ascione, 1998)
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13% of intentional animal abuse cases involve domestic violence (Humane Society of the United States, 2001)
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Between 25% – 48% of battered women are unable to escape abusive situations because they worry about what will happen to their pets and livestock (Arkow, 2008)
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Abusers kill, harm, or threaten children’s pets to coerce them into sexual abuse or to force them to remain silent about abuse (Lour, 1999)
What Social Workers and Their Agencies Can Do
In New York City, cases often come to light only when pets are killed and the stories make the news. It is important not to overlook animal welfare, because pets are often targeted first and families may not be willing to seek help unless their pets can also escape a violent situation.
Recognizing animal welfare in domestic violence situations is crucial to protecting the whole family and helping pet owners and their animals to safety. Social workers can intervene by:
- Inquiring about pet welfare, preferably when pet owners initially seek help. Questions to ask include: Is a pet being abused? Has an animal been killed? Does having a pet restrict a family from seeking help or safety? The answers to these questions will help to guide your work. An additional resource may include outreach to the New York Police Department (NYPD) if there are signs of animal abuse or cruelty
- Directing pet owners to low-cost veterinary care (to document the pet and to ensure the pet is inoculated for temporary boarding)
- Helping pet owners develop a “Pet Safety Plan,” including a “Pet Go Bag”
- Advocating for a pet to be included on an Order of Protection
- Exploring temporary care options with pet owners
Domestic violence agencies can further recognize this issue in the following ways:
- Consider identifying—or starting—innovative co-shelter programs, including the URI PALS Program. For more information on establishing a co-sheltering initiative, review the national list of programs at AlliePhillips.com. Additional information can be found at Red Rover Foundation
- Consider exploring a safe haven program or partnering with a local animal welfare program that cares for pets while a family enters a domestic violence program
- Advocate for and assist pet owners to register their animal as a therapy animal/emotional support animal, if appropriate
