by Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society, Inc.
Did you know among all the other “October is” it is also Domestic Violence Awareness (and Action) Month? I chose this topic for this week’s column because of its importance to understand the need to support “both ends of the leash” in these crisis situations. A campaign was started to have 25% of domestic violence shelters in the United States be pet friendly by the end of 2025. The link between human violence and animal violence is well documented. Keeping victims with their pets is supporting “both ends of the leash” and keeping all members of the family together. According to Candice Amundson, a survivor and advocate “It’s more than a program, it’s a lifeline. Healing happens when you don’t have to leave a loved one behind”.
A lack of pet inclusive housing is a barrier to safety for all concerned. There are many reasons to delay leaving abuse, but loving a pet doesn’t need to be one of them. In fact the most dangerous time for a survivor is when they decide to leave the abuser. Domestic violence, child abuse, and animal abuse frequently occur simultaneously in a family. A 2017 study showed that 89% of women who had companion animals during an abusive relationship reported that their animals were threatened, harmed, or killed by their abusive partner.
It’s imperative that animal welfare and well-being organizations work together to transform how to support both ends of the leash and not separate out domestic violence from animal cruelty. Both are interconnected so solutions must be interconnected also. There is a great need to recognize whole families and be advocates for humans and animals in order to create the opportunity for whole families to heal. But in addition to greater interagency coordination, cross-training and reporting among human and animal welfare organizations is needed to intervene earlier and get help to victims faster. Abusers know the emotional bond between people and their pets and use this to assert coercive control over their victims, often threatening violence to the family pet to keep their partner under their control. Unfortunately, this often works.
Domestic violence can lead to a plethora of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other complex forms of trauma. Treating these conditions is often difficult and costly and requires a stable environment. How can one begin to heal, stabilize, and move forward while living in constant fear that their pets will be harmed if they seek shelter and help? Sadly, this is the reality for many experiencing DV and helps keep the cycle of violence and abuse in motion. Many domestic violence shelters partner with animal shelters or other animal welfare organizations thus providing safe housing to people and their pets. It does mean a temporary separation with peace of mind and visitations are encouraged unless distance is an issue. The ultimate goal is co-sheltering, sheltering animals and their families together. The more it’s recognized to work together for all victims of domestic violence, human and animal, the more solutions can be created for BOTH ENDS OF THE LEASH. Contact Fearless! Hudson Valley, the 24/7 crisis & shelter at 845-562-5340.
Pet of the Week:
