Animal Safekeeping in Situations of Intimate Partner Violence: Experiences of Human Service and Animal Welfare Professionals

Abstract

Although knowledge of the link between intimate partner violence (IPV) and animal maltreatment has increased significantly in recent years, few studies have examined service providers’ experiences with IPV and concurrent animal abuse, as well as animal safekeeping in situations of IPV. The present study documented human service and animal welfare service providers’ experiences supporting victims/survivors of IPV, who owned pets and livestock, and included service providers in rural and northern communities in Saskatchewan. Online surveys were completed by 128 human service professionals (including domestic violence shelter workers, domestic violence counsellors, victim services workers, police, and legal professionals) and 43 animal welfare professionals (including workers from animal rescues, humane societies, Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals [SPCAs], and veterinary clinics) ( n = 171). Respondents shared information relating to their awareness of the link; their experiences responding in situations of IPV and concurrent animal abuse, including arranging animal safekeeping in situations of IPV; and successes and challenges related to effective service provision. Results include descriptions of intersecting risks to people and animals. Service providers shared ways that they have assisted victims/survivors who own animals, such as through animal safekeeping programs. Both human service and animal welfare professionals expressed the need for pet-friendly domestic violence shelters and pet-friendly long-term housing options. Service providers offered recommendations for improving education and training; improving provision of services of victims/survivors of IPV and their animals, including improving access to Emergency Intervention Orders and establishing funding for animal safekeeping in situations of IPV; and strengthening existing and building new partnerships.

Intimate Partner Violence, Animal Maltreatment, and Animal Safekeeping: Findings From a Public Survey

“…This survey was part of a larger mixed-methods study which included surveys for victims/survivors of IPV who owned animals (Giesbrecht, 2021b), human service professionals, and animal welfare professionals (Giesbrecht, 2021a) and interviews with survivors. The study was approved by the University of Regina's Research Ethics Board.…”

“…In some cases, victims/survivors of IPV may delay ending relationships because of responsibility for animals, especially when they feel they will not be able to take their animals with them or keep the animals after separation. For others, concern for animals is a catalyst in their decision to end the relationship and escape with their pet (Ascione et al, 2007; Barrett et al, 2018, 2020; Collins et al, 2018; Giesbrecht, 2021a, 2021b; Stevenson et al, 2018; Wuerch et al, 2020, 2021).…”

Intimate Partner Violence, Animal Maltreatment, and Concern for Animal Safekeeping: A Survey of Survivors Who Owned Pets and Livestock

“…For this reason, it was important to seek responses from victims/survivors of violence who had not accessed shelter. In addition, extant research primarily focuses on the experiences of victims/survivors who own pets; research on the intersection of IPV and ownership of livestock is limited (Crawford & Bohac Clarke, 2012; Doherty & Hornosty, 2008; Giesbrecht, 2021; Wuerch et al, 2020, 2021).…”

“…Extant research has examined the connection between type and severity of IPV and animal maltreatment (Barrett et al, 2020;Hartman et al, 2018;Simmons & Lehmann, 2007) and types of animal maltreatment and survivors' decisions to end relationships (Barrett et al, 2018). The connection between coercive control and threats and abuse directed at pets is documented in existing research (Barrett et al, 2020;Flynn, 2000;Giesbrecht, 2021;Hardesty et al, 2013;Johnson, 2008;McDonald et al, 2019). Violence against pets and other animals has been recognized as a risk factor for severe IPV (Barrett et al, 2020;Walton-Moss et al, 2005) and domestic homicide (Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario, 2019).…”

“…Many people who are experiencing IPV and own companion animals are not aware of animal safekeeping options or are only informed of these options by shelter staff upon their arrival at a domestic violence shelter, limiting their ability to plan for animals’ safety before leaving (Barrett et al, 2020). Victims/survivors may choose to return to their former home because the partner has their pet (Barrett et al, 2020; Fitzgerald, 2007) or visit to care for pets or livestock (Giesbrecht, 2021; Wuerch et al, 2020).…”