Domestic Violence and Pets
The research is clear: shelters that take in pets reduce barriers to services for survivors of domestic violence.
Did you know that domestic violence affects pets, too?
It may not be the first thing you think of, but furry friends play an integral part in the journeys of recovery that many survivors take to escape abuse. We recently posted some statistics* dealing with pet ownership and domestic violence on social media:
47% of domestic violence survivors delay leaving abusers because of their pets.
71% of women in domestic violence shelters report an abuser threatened, injured, or killed a pet.
25% of DV survivors return to abusers because of their pets.
As we’ve mentioned before, abusers are strategic in their use of psychological means to exert power and control over their victims, and pets represent a point of pressure for them. The solution is simple: domestic violence shelters that allow survivors to bring their pets reduce a clear barrier to escaping abuse. Unfortunately, many domestic violence shelters don’t account for this. As of now, only about 17% of shelters in the United States have onsite pet programs.
Since 2022, The Spring has extended our mission – advocacy, a safe escape and on-going Christ-like care to those fleeing abuse – to pets. Our onsite kennel allows survivors to bring their cats and dogs with them when they seek shelter and care with us, and we’ve seen first-hand the benefits that these pet relationships can have to the healing process.
The companionship pets provide brings significant health benefits. Studies have shown that interacting with animals can decrease stress-levels and even, in some cases, lower blood pressure. Your relationship with your dog or your cat can reduce loneliness and increase mood, too. Plus, the simple fact is this: when survivors bring their pets with them to The Spring, those pets are safer than they would be with an abuser.
Last month, one of our guests was able to seek refuge at our shelter with her two dogs. She’s had her pets for six years, and she was able to share with her advocate how having the dogs with her gave her the courage to seek care.
“The Spring has done everything,” this guest said. “They’ve given me and my dogs a safe place to heal and time to get our lives back on track. It means everything. I wouldn’t have left [my situation] if I wasn’t able to bring my pets with me.”
We’re proud to be numbered among the 17% of shelters in America that take pets, and we’re grateful for the generous support we receive to help us do so. Thank you!
*These statistics, and much of the information used in this training blog, has been compiled and provided by our friends at 25 by 2025. Their goal is to get 25% of domestic violence shelters in the U.S. pet-friendly by 2025. For more information on how you can get involved, visit their website.