The Link Between Domestic Violence and Animal Abuse

Recently Ohio.com published an article entitled “Animal abuse often signals domestic violence; Canton rescue group fills the need for fearful victims.” [1] The article details the work of Peace for Pets (peaceforpets.org) who provide a place for people who are fleeing abusive relationships to find a safe place for their pets without leaving them behind. So, why is this important?

                There are three reasons to focus on pets when it comes to domestic violence. The first is that animal abuse can be a sign of domestic violence in a home. Women in shelters were 11 times more likely to report the animal abuse then to report the abuse they themselves were experiencing.[2]  The second is that the animal abuse is also abuse on the people. Most shelter women and children reported that seeing the animal abused added to the distress they were feeling in this situations.[2]The last reason is the crux of what Peace for Pets is doing; women who were abused said that concern for the pet prevented them from leaving their abusers.[2]

Authored by Chris Pierson

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