Pets

Survivors of domestic violence and their pets

Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects millions of people around the world. In addition to the physical and emotional harm to the victims, it can also have a devastating impact on their pets by edwinray
Estimated reading time: 3 min 1 sec
Survivors of domestic violence and their pets Photo by Matheus Bertelli on Pexels

Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects millions of people around the world. In addition to the physical and emotional harm to the victims, it can also have a devastating impact on their pets.

Survivors of domestic violence often face a difficult choice – leave their pets behind or stay in an abusive situation. This article will explore the challenges that survivors of domestic violence face with regards to their pets, and the resources available to help them and their furry companions.

Why Do Abusers Target Pets?

Abusers often target pets as a way to control their victims. They may harm or threaten to harm the pet in order to intimidate the victim, or use the pet as leverage to force the victim to stay in an abusive situation.

According to a study by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 71% of domestic violence survivors reported that their abuser also targeted their pet. Furthermore, research has shown that animal abuse is often a precursor to domestic violence.

Challenges Faced by Survivors

Survivors of domestic violence face numerous challenges when it comes to their pets. One of the biggest challenges is finding a safe place for their pet to stay while they seek shelter.

Many domestic violence shelters do not allow pets, which can be a major barrier for survivors who do not want to leave their beloved companions behind.

Another challenge is the cost of caring for a pet.

Domestic violence survivors may not have the financial resources to provide for their pet’s needs, particularly if they are in the process of rebuilding their lives after leaving an abusive situation.

Finally, there is the emotional impact of leaving a pet behind. Pets provide comfort and companionship, and leaving them behind can be traumatic for both the pet and the owner.

Many survivors are also concerned about the safety and well-being of their pets if they leave them behind with their abuser.

Related Article Domestic violence and animal cruelty Domestic violence and animal cruelty

Resources for Survivors

Thankfully, there are resources available to help survivors of domestic violence and their pets. Many domestic violence shelters now offer pet-friendly accommodations, allowing survivors to bring their pets with them when they seek shelter.

This can be a lifesaver for both the pet and the survivor.

There are also organizations that provide assistance with the cost of pet care for domestic violence survivors.

One such organization is RedRover, which offers financial assistance for emergency veterinary care and temporary boarding for pets of survivors. The Humane Society of the United States also has a program called Safe Haven, which provides grants to domestic violence shelters to help them become pet-friendly.

Finally, there are resources available to help survivors find safe, permanent homes for their pets if they are unable to care for them.

The Sheltering Animals & Families Together (SAF-T) program works with domestic violence agencies and animal welfare organizations to provide temporary pet boarding for survivors while they look for permanent homes for their pets. They also offer counseling and support to help survivors deal with the emotional impact of leaving their pets behind.

Conclusion

Domestic violence is a devastating problem that affects not only humans, but also their beloved pets.

Survivors of domestic violence face numerous challenges when it comes to their pets, including finding a safe place for them to stay and caring for their needs. However, there are resources available to help survivors and their furry companions, including pet-friendly domestic violence shelters, financial assistance for pet care, and programs to help find safe, permanent homes for pets.

By addressing the needs of both survivors and their pets, we can help to break the cycle of domestic violence.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

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