Aug 29 2008
Pets: The Silent Victims of Domestic Abuse
There are many victims of domestic violence, including pets, who are often caught in the crossfire and wind up either victims of abuse at the hands of the domestic abuser, or used as pawns to keep victims from leaving.
It may sound incredible to some people, but there are many women who will not leave an abusive situation if they can’t stay somewhere that allows animals–and most shelters do not. (You would have to drag me kicking and screaming from my dog and cats, so I sympathize.)
According to American Humane, 71% of pet-owning women entering women’s shelters reported that their batterer had injured, maimed, killed or threatened family pets for revenge or to psychologically control victims; 68% of battered women reported violence towards their animals, 87% of these incidents occurred in the presence of the women, and 75% in the presence of the children, to psychologically control and coerce them; 13% of intentional animal abuse cases involve domestic violence; and between 25% and 40% of battered women are unable to escape abusive situations because they worry about what will happen to their pets or livestock should they leave.
Battered women have even been known to live in their cars with their pets for as long as four months until an opening was available at a pet-friendly safe house.
Fortunately, many women’s shelters are establishing “safe haven” foster care programs for the animal victims of domestic violence–some women’s shelters are even building kennels at their facilities.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, three states — Maine, New York and Vermont — have already enacted laws permitting family pets to be included in protective court orders involving cases of domestic violence. Such court orders are meant to shield animals as well as spouses and domestic partners from abusers. An additional 12 states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia, have considered “pet protection” legislation.
With over 100 safe haven programs currently operating today in the U.S., many victims no longer have to choose between their safety and their pets.
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Even after women have made it safely out of an abusive environment, and can move into an apartment, it’s difficult to find apartments that allow pets. I’m glad there is increased awareness about the connection and hopefully shelters and apartments will be more willing to accept pets.
http://CTRealEstateUnleashed.com
[...] New York—have passed laws allowing pets to be included in orders of protection. Click here for more information about the link between domestic violence and animal [...]