Domestic Violence and Pets

For pet-lovers, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a wagging puppy tail or a  cuddling kitten. That’s why many aggressors who engage in domestic violence have figured out that turning their aggression toward family pets can be an effective way to dominate family and loved ones.  When it comes to domestic violence (DV), our pets, unfortunately, tend to be at serious risk, in addition to the people in violent homes. Aggressors frequently go after pets in order to manipulate or control their human victims. That’s why a lot of shelters now offer kennels and/or care programs for pets when victims seek shelter.

You Probably Didn’t Know… 

Harming a beloved pet is one of many methods batterers try to get their victims to concede to their demands.  But you may not realize some startling facts:

• More than seven in ten victims on DV report that their pets had been threatened, harmed, or killed by their abuser;
• Over 85 percent of pet abuse occurs in the presence of the pet’s owner in order to exact revenge or get control of a situation;
• More than three-fourths of pet abuse events occur with children present;
• About half of female victims of DV leave their pets at home with the abuser;
• About a quarter of victims return to their abusers out of concern for their pets;
• Animal abuse is often the first sign social services representatives see when ultimately investigating domestic violence allegations.

Links Between DV and Pet Abuse 

Pets are family members to many, and when they are frightened, harmed, or killed, it can be absolutely devastating. That’s why they can serve as a great tool to abusers who want to dominate other people.

Children’s pets are often threatened or harmed by abusers in order to coerce those children into sexual abuse, or to keep them quiet after sexual abuse.

When victims of abuse escape, abusers often take their frustrations out on family pets.

Any acts of independence could be avenged by harming a pet.

People who abuse animals are more likely to be involved in DV, drug offenses, and other violent crimes.

Oftentimes animal abuse precedes DV.

Why Victims Don’t Escape Sooner 

• Four in ten women living with DV say they are afraid to leave because they are concerned about the welfare of their pets.
• Currently, just over 10 percent of shelters allow pets, and about a quarter of shelters refer pets to local organizations.
• DV victims have sometimes lived in their vehicles for up to four months while waiting for a pet-friendly shelter.

Your Safety is Paramount 

If you—and your pets—are in danger of violence, the best thing you can do is to get out immediately. Florida law says you are entitled to take your pet, which can be included in any protective order issued by the court. To get the legal help you need, schedule a confidential consultation with the experienced Miami domestic violence attorneys at The Law Office of Julia Kefalinos today.

Source:

animallaw.info/article/domestic-violence-and-pets-list-states-include-pets-protection-orders