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Domestic Violence & Pets
Research shows that there are links between animal abuse, child abuse and domestic violence. Where serious animal abuse has occurred in a household there may be an increased likelihood that some other form of family violence is also occurring.
The threat or actual abuse of a pet may be used to control, manipulate and intimidate women and children to remain in their abusive situation. Many women and children are forced to stay with violent partners because they feel they can’t leave their pets behind
In some cases, a person being cruel to a family pet will progress to physically abusing other members of the family. Veterinary students are now learning about the identification of animal abuse and the links with child abuse and domestic violence. Safety planning with survivors of domestic violence and their children can also include planning for the safety of any animals in the household
If there are concerns over the safety of animals, see RSPCA Pet Retreat which provides a pet fostering scheme to enable survivors of domestic violence to leave home without fear of their animals being harmed.
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