The Link

​By: Cheyenne Taylor

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed each October to unite advocates across the U.S. and acknowledge the efforts to end domestic violence. Across the country, advocates and survivors fight endlessly to raise awareness to the public about domestic violence. This month, we are doing our part to raise awareness while discussing the link between domestic violence and pet abuse.
 
Pet abuse is one of the four major indicators of domestic violence within a household. Abusers may kill, harm, or threaten victims' pets to force victims to comply with their wishes. In fact, 71% of female domestic violence survivors have reported that their abusers have done so1. Animal abuse often causes victims to stay longer in an abusive situation for fear of what will happen to their pets if they leave. 25-40% of abused women have reported staying with their abusers longer to ensure their pets’ safety1. No one should ever be put in a situation where they have to sacrifice their safety to ensure their pet remains unharmed.
 
At Beacon of Hope Crisis Center, we recognize pets are silent victims that often go unserved. Pet abuse coincides with other types of human abuse, including domestic violence, elder abuse, and child abuse. In the case of child abuse, there is a lot of research that shows child victims abusing pets, either at the demand of the abuser or because of broader issues that could lead to the child becoming a batterer or violent adult. Because of the immense connection between pet abuse and other forms of abuse, first responders no longer view pet abuse as an isolated incident. It often alerts first responders to issues within a household.
 
Many first responders rely on the following red flags for identifying pet abuse. If the pet has open wounds, scars, extreme thinness, an inability to walk or stand normally, or inadequate grooming, this might be a sign of mistreatment. If the pet displays behaviors such as hyper aggression, being timid, trembling when the abuser is near, or protectiveness of the victim or children, these are also all red flags that should alert people of possible pet abuse. It is also a red flag if a pet’s environment is inadequate, too small, or unclean.
 
What can you do to help both victims and pets of victims from violence? You can stay informed about the link between domestic violence and pet abuse and donate to causes like ours to continue to raise awareness and fight against domestic violence and pet abuse. You can also become a foster parent for our Foster Pet Program and open your home to temporarily rehouse victims' pets until victims can find safe housing and reunite with their beloved animals. You can also share our message with your friends and loved ones to encourage them to become foster parents with our organization and help both the pets and their humans find safety and happiness. Click to learn more about our Foster Pet Program.