Remembering Pets During Domestic Violence Awareness Month
They are the victims without voices. Some might bark, others meow or some tweet a song. They are the pets suffering due to domestic violence. According to aspca.org , a study conducted by The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reveled that 85.4 % of women and 63% of children reported incidents of pet abuse after arriving at domestic violence shelters. Why do abusers target pets? To demonstrate power and control over the family To isolate the victim and children To enforce submission To perpetuate an environment of fear To prevent the victim from leaving or coerce her to return To punish for leaving or showing independence How can you help your local Domestic Violence center like Transitions assist victims and their pets? Encourage victims to include their pets in their safety plan Consider opening your home as a temporary foster home while a victim is in safe housing ...