24 Hour Domestic Violence Help-line

 'My ex-partner threatened to kill all our animals if we left; he threatened to kick my cat to death.  It upset my daughter greatly’ (Peta)

Animal Rights Campaigners and political activists have long demanded that Public Authorities and individual organisations think rationally about the links between animal abuse and other forms of violence.  Research into the issue has repeatedly confirmed the link. 

In 1997 Paws for Kids surveyed 50 women living in refuge in Britain.  66% of these women confirmed that their partners had threatened the pets whilst 38% had actually had their pets harmed by partners.

A 1981 study of 23 British families that had a history of animal neglect also demonstrated that 82% of the families had children that were shown to be at risk of abuse or neglect.

A new document has been produced by PETA that draws out these links and suggests some good practice points:

• RSPCA workers and vets should be trained to recognize animal abuse and should be familiar with the link with child abuse.
• Field workers should be encouraged to cross refer between agencies should they become aware of cruelty to animals or child abuse occurring in the home.
• More animal fostering schemes need to be set up to assist women and children who are fleeing domestic violence.
• Domestic violence forums should include animal welfare agencies.
• Animal Welfare agencies need to keep clear records of why animals are being handed over for re-homing to establish how many are being given up by women fleeing domestic violence.
• More research needs to take place on the links.
• Social work training needs to include consideration to animal welfare.

As workers that may be working with women or families where domestic violence is occurring it is useful to remember the impact that the existence of pets may have on women’s decision to leave.  A perpetrator may threaten to kill or harm a pet if left. It is also worth remembering that children and women that have left a violent situation may miss and fear for the safety of their pets.

The importance of pet fostering schemes needs to be recognized by funding organisations and the impact of pet abuse on families needs to be recognized by service providers.  Threats to pets may be used to emotionally manipulate women and children to stay or return to abusive relationships.  For many people pets become valuable family members and friends.  It is essential that as workers we don’t forget this fact.