Keeping Pets Safe in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence: Insights From Domestic Violence Shelter Staff in Canada. Issue 2 (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stevenson, Rochelle; Fitzgerald, Amy; Barrett, Betty Jo
• Is Part Of: Affilia. Volume 33:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 236
• Page End: 252
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: animal abuse -- domestic violence shelter staff -- intimate partner violence -- pet safekeeping; Social work with women -- Periodicals; Women social workers -- Periodicals; 362.8305
• DOI: 10.1177/0886109917747613
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0886-1099

Abstract

The connection between intimate partner violence (IPV) and abuse against animals is becoming well-documented. Women consistently report that their pets have been threatened or harmed by their abuser, and many women delay leaving abusive relationships out of concern for their pets. Shelters are often faced with limited resources, and it can be difficult to see how their mandate to assist women fleeing IPV also includes assistance to their companion animals. Through surveys with staff from 17 IPV shelters in Canada, the current study captures a snapshot of the shelter policies and practices regarding companion animals. The study explores staff's own relationships with pets and exposure to animal abuse, as well as how these experiences relate to support for pet safekeeping programs, perceived barriers, and perceived benefits for the programs. Policy implications for IPV service agencies include asking clients about concerns about pet safety, clear communication of agency policies regarding services available for pet safekeeping, and starting a conversation at the agency level on how to establish a pet safekeeping program in order to better meet the needs of women seeking refuge from IPV.