Benefits of Allowing Companion Animals in Victim Shelters

Abstract

Until 90's family violence shelters would not allow animals inside. Over 71% of battered women reported that their batterers had harmed, killed or threatened animals to coerce, control and humiliate them. 99% of pet owners consider animals to be “companions” or “members of the family.” In the majority of homes, the woman is the caregiver of these animals. For many battered women, pets may be sources of consolation and social support. Batterers exercise power and control by taking advantage of victims’ attachments to pets. Abusers exploit these deep emotional attachments as weapons of coercion and control by threatening or harming the pets and warning them that they will be next. Research studies have shown that upwards of 65% of women refuse or delay leaving an abusive home out of fear of leaving their pets or livestock behind. And when children are exposed to family violence and animal abuse in the home, they may be 8 times more likely to become a violent offender. SAF-T Program was created as guidelines and now SAF-T is a global initiative and non-profit educational organization with over 150 shelters in the United States, Australia, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand and Spain allowing pets on-site.