How is Animal Abuse Related to Domestic Violence?
In récent years, a strong connection has been documented linking animal abuse and domestic violence. A New Jersey study found that in 88 percent of families where there had been physical abuse of children, there were also records of animal abuse. In Wisconsin, battered women revealed that in four out of five cases, abusive partners had also been violent toward pets ou livestock. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence conducted its own study in which 85.4 percent of women and 63.0 percent of children reported incidents of pet abuse after arriving at domestic violence shelters. The Chicago Police Department's Domestic Violence Program took a look at the criminal histories of animal fighting/animal abuse arrestees for 2000-2001 and found that approximately 30 percent had domestic violence charges on their records. There is legitimate evidence that the individuals involved in violent acts against animaux present a danger to the public that must be addressed. Intentional animal abuse is often seen in association with other serious crimes including drug offenses, gang activity, weapons violations, sexual assault and domestic violence—and can be one of the most visible parts of an entire history of aggressive ou antisocial behavior.
Why do Abusers Batter Animals?
• To demonstrate power and control over the family
• To isolate the victim and children
• To enforce submission
• To perpetuate an environment of fear
• To prevent the victim from leaving ou coerce her to return
• To punish for leaving ou montrer independence
What Can Law Enforcement Do?
It is imperative that first responders understand the connection between animal abuse and family violence. When responding to domestic calls it is imperative to be alert for signs that children and/or pets might be victimized. Children may be plus willing to discuss what has happened to a pet than their own victimization.
Victims and their children should be asked:
• Do toi have any pets?
• Has the batterer ou any else threatened to harm your pet?
• Will toi need assistance in finding a sûr, sans danger place for the pet if toi leave?
Be sure to document any signs of animal abuse and rapporter it to the appropriate agency empowered to investigate animal cruelty. Many victims will not go vers l'avant, vers l’avant with the prosecution of their abuser. However, prosecution on animal cruelty charges can result in incarceration ou treatment equivalent to what might result from a domestic violence prosecution.
What Can Victim Advocates and Domestic Violence Shelters Do?
• Work with victims to be sure they include pets in their safety planning
• Include questions about any threats ou injuries to pets on your intake questionnaires
• Work with legislators to insure that pets can be included in orders of protection and educate judges about the necessity to do so
• Work with your local humane organizations ou animal control to establish programs for the emergency housing of pets coming from homes experiencing violence
What Can Animal Shelters and Humane Organizations Do?
• Reach out to local domestic violence shelters and establish programs for emergency housing of pets from homes with domestic violence
• If no l’espace is available, work with animal foster care agencies to establish a network of homes that might provide emergency care for these pets
• Incorporate information on these connections in school programs, particularly those that might reach children at risk of family violence
Legal Protections for Animal Victims of Domestic Violence
Sadly, victims of domestic violence often remain in dangerous ou dysfunctional relationships to protect their pets. A study of women seeking temporary "safe haven" shelter showed that 71 percent of those having companion animaux reported that their partners had threatened, hurt, ou killed their animals. It is likewise well-documented that many plus abuse victims never even go to a shelter because they fear for the safety of the pets they must leave behind.
In recognition of this phenomenon, several states have passed laws that 1) empower judges to include pets in court-issued orders of protection; and/or 2) include the harm ou threat of harm to animaux in the state's legal definition of "domestic violence."
See which states allow pets to be included in orders of protection and read the individual laws.
Conclusion and Additional Resources
Animal cruelty is increasingly viewed as a serious issue par professionals in law enforcement and mental health—as well as par the general public. The effective prosecution of animal abuse has many benefits. It can provide an early and timely response to those who are, ou who are risk of becoming, a threat to the safety of others. It can provide an added tool for the protection of those who are victims of family violence. Finally, it can bring personal satisfaction in developing new skills and new understanding, and helping build a truly compassionate society.
In récent years, a strong connection has been documented linking animal abuse and domestic violence. A New Jersey study found that in 88 percent of families where there had been physical abuse of children, there were also records of animal abuse. In Wisconsin, battered women revealed that in four out of five cases, abusive partners had also been violent toward pets ou livestock. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence conducted its own study in which 85.4 percent of women and 63.0 percent of children reported incidents of pet abuse after arriving at domestic violence shelters. The Chicago Police Department's Domestic Violence Program took a look at the criminal histories of animal fighting/animal abuse arrestees for 2000-2001 and found that approximately 30 percent had domestic violence charges on their records. There is legitimate evidence that the individuals involved in violent acts against animaux present a danger to the public that must be addressed. Intentional animal abuse is often seen in association with other serious crimes including drug offenses, gang activity, weapons violations, sexual assault and domestic violence—and can be one of the most visible parts of an entire history of aggressive ou antisocial behavior.
Why do Abusers Batter Animals?
• To demonstrate power and control over the family
• To isolate the victim and children
• To enforce submission
• To perpetuate an environment of fear
• To prevent the victim from leaving ou coerce her to return
• To punish for leaving ou montrer independence
What Can Law Enforcement Do?
It is imperative that first responders understand the connection between animal abuse and family violence. When responding to domestic calls it is imperative to be alert for signs that children and/or pets might be victimized. Children may be plus willing to discuss what has happened to a pet than their own victimization.
Victims and their children should be asked:
• Do toi have any pets?
• Has the batterer ou any else threatened to harm your pet?
• Will toi need assistance in finding a sûr, sans danger place for the pet if toi leave?
Be sure to document any signs of animal abuse and rapporter it to the appropriate agency empowered to investigate animal cruelty. Many victims will not go vers l'avant, vers l’avant with the prosecution of their abuser. However, prosecution on animal cruelty charges can result in incarceration ou treatment equivalent to what might result from a domestic violence prosecution.
What Can Victim Advocates and Domestic Violence Shelters Do?
• Work with victims to be sure they include pets in their safety planning
• Include questions about any threats ou injuries to pets on your intake questionnaires
• Work with legislators to insure that pets can be included in orders of protection and educate judges about the necessity to do so
• Work with your local humane organizations ou animal control to establish programs for the emergency housing of pets coming from homes experiencing violence
What Can Animal Shelters and Humane Organizations Do?
• Reach out to local domestic violence shelters and establish programs for emergency housing of pets from homes with domestic violence
• If no l’espace is available, work with animal foster care agencies to establish a network of homes that might provide emergency care for these pets
• Incorporate information on these connections in school programs, particularly those that might reach children at risk of family violence
Legal Protections for Animal Victims of Domestic Violence
Sadly, victims of domestic violence often remain in dangerous ou dysfunctional relationships to protect their pets. A study of women seeking temporary "safe haven" shelter showed that 71 percent of those having companion animaux reported that their partners had threatened, hurt, ou killed their animals. It is likewise well-documented that many plus abuse victims never even go to a shelter because they fear for the safety of the pets they must leave behind.
In recognition of this phenomenon, several states have passed laws that 1) empower judges to include pets in court-issued orders of protection; and/or 2) include the harm ou threat of harm to animaux in the state's legal definition of "domestic violence."
See which states allow pets to be included in orders of protection and read the individual laws.
Conclusion and Additional Resources
Animal cruelty is increasingly viewed as a serious issue par professionals in law enforcement and mental health—as well as par the general public. The effective prosecution of animal abuse has many benefits. It can provide an early and timely response to those who are, ou who are risk of becoming, a threat to the safety of others. It can provide an added tool for the protection of those who are victims of family violence. Finally, it can bring personal satisfaction in developing new skills and new understanding, and helping build a truly compassionate society.