News
Helping the Victims of Domestic Abuse - Both Human and Animal
March 28, 2008, 5:41PM MT
By Jennifer S Hayes
Join others on April 22 in Chicago for an informational and collaborative workshop.
Join others on April 22 in Chicago for an informational and collaborative workshop.
By Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends Network
Every day the media reports on some type of brutal behavior, whether it is in our own community, the nation, or the world. For those in animal welfare, it is no surprise that research has shown that there is a link between violence to animals and violence to people. It is important that people understand that connection and Diana Clement, Director of the Humane Society University, notes that these studies fall into three areas:
1. Bed wetting, arson, and animal cruelty are childhood behaviors commonly shared by serial killers. This study made the first connection between violence to animals with violence to people; however, not all children who act in such a way grow up to become murderers. Later research on individuals who were jailed for violent behavior, not just serial killers, exposed a history of animal cruelty, arson, and either bullying or being bullied by others during their childhoods. Clement notes, “It became less of a predictor of how someone would be as an adult and more of an indicator of a child in need of some intervention, possibly because they are witnessing violence.”
2. There is a connection between adult family members who injure one another and those who neglect or injure their pets or children. Evidence of animal abuse may be an indication of a family in trouble.
3. Often victims of domestic violence refuse to get help because they will not abandon their pets, for fear that the aggressor will take revenge on, threaten, or neglect the animal who is left behind.
Clement has developed a workshop, Protecting People and Pets, which addresses the third point. Victims of domestic violence often seek guidance from people in positions of authority on what to do, and while the common response would be to recommend that they move out, this choice can prove to be dangerous if a safety plan is lacking. “Telling someone you should move away can actually escalate things and be the wrong thing to say,” comments Clement. “We want the professionals who know what to do for the people to have a chance to share that information with the professionals who know what to do during the emergency, and then vice versa, so that social workers understand that when a policeman is standing there and he’s not supposed to tell her to move, what is he supposed to do.”
A line of communication needs to be opened between all the groups and agencies whose intention is to help victims.
“Animal welfare workers take animal cruelty very seriously and they are very aware that these can be dangerous people,” comments Clement. “So they actually asked us to come and present this information to the other professionals who are also aware of the connection, but really don’t know what their options are as far as getting help.”
The Humane Society University is bringing the Protecting People and Pets workshop to Chicago to educate not only individuals involved in animal welfare, but also social workers, law enforcement, veterinarians, medical professionals, civic and religious leaders, educators, and anyone else who would like to learn more on how to help the victims, both human and animal, of domestic violence.
The day-long seminar will be broken down into two sessions. The morning topic will be what to do with live evidence and open a discussion between first responders and those who then provide the aftercare to both the human and animal victims. The afternoon will be about coalition building by networking. Collaboration between various agencies can help the victims more than an individual working alone. Clement says discussion will center around “ways to work together to help these families with as many interventions as possible as early as possible.”
Protecting People and Pets Workshop
Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 (registration deadline: April 8)
Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Where: The Anti-Cruelty Society
Mullane Auditorium
169 West Grand Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60610
Cost: $60 (or $50 for shelter partners or groups of five or more attendees)
How to help:
• Sign up to attend the Protecting People and Pets Workshop.
• In January 2008, The Anti-Cruelty Society launched the S.A.F.E. (Short-term Accommodations for Emergencies) Program. With a referral from a counselor at a social service center, cats or dogs belonging to victims of domestic violence or other people facing a housing crisis are fostered for up to 30 days, until a more stable living environment is available. All animals accepted into the program must be fixed, vaccinated and microchipped, services that the shelter provides for free if not already done. According to Alicia Obando, Coordinator of Special Projects at The Anti-Cruelty Society, for confidentiality and health reasons the dogs are kept at the shelter and cats are taken into foster homes. Guardians are able to visit with their dogs or receive weekly updates on their cats until the point when they may be reunited permanently. If victims are unable to accept their pets back, the animals may be relinquished to the shelter.
• Those wishing to support the S.A.F.E. program can contact Darlene Duggan at dduggan@anticruelty.org or call 312-644-8338 ext 313. This new program is in need of volunteers, monetary contributions, and donations of toys, beds, litter, and food for a pet pantry, stocked specifically for the victims once they retrieve their pet.
For more information:
• Strategizing the Link Workshop: June 8-9, 2008 in Portland, Maine
• First Strike®: Cruelty to Animals and Interpersonal Violence Online Self-Paced Class
• First Strike® The Connection Between Animal Cruelty and Human Violence
• Safe Havens for Animals™
• Humane Education Resources from the Best Friends Library
• Educators for Animals Community
Photo credit: photos taken by Jennifer Hayes