Animal abuse frequently correlates with domestic violence against humans, often used as a tool for intimidation and control by abusers. Women in abusive relationships are particularly vulnerable if their pets are threatened, which compounds the difficulty of leaving. Many domestic violence shelters do not accept pets, leaving victims feeling trapped. Support systems are lacking for victims with pets, highlighting the need for safety plans that include animals. This situation reinforces the urgent need for change in policy and resource allocation to address these pressing concerns effectively.
"I can't leave," she later said, "I couldn't leave her in a shelter. She is my baby." It wasn't until I connected her with a pet-friendly shelter that Christina felt safe enough to leave.
One study researching the link found that "a woman whose partner had threatened the pets was 5 times more likely to belong to the intimate partner violence group."
Abusing animals is part of a larger cycle of fear and dominance, and is often a precursor to violence towards humans.
Perpetrators often use pets as tools of control; they may hurt, threaten to hurt, or even kill animals to intimidate victims and enforce dominance.
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