| Over 50% of American women experience intimate partner violence (IPV) in at least one relationship during their lives (Gentry, 2001). Despite harm endured and desires to leave IPV, some women do not leave because they fear the fate of their pets (Battle, 2013). Little research exists to help professionals understand and combat the problem of animal safety in relation to IPV. Therefore, for the present investigation, the author developed a survey on domestic violence and animal abuse; 19 women in domestic violence shelters completed the anonymous survey. Several findings emerged. First, one of four women stayed longer in IPV because of worry about pets. Given IPV and pet ownership rates, this suggests that nearly 16 million American women may extend their time in IPV out of worry over pets. Second, 80% of women lost their pets upon entering a shelter. Requiring women to separate emotionally from their pets likely exacerbates the pain and difficulty of exiting IPV. Third, one in four women reported that their abusers had harmed their pets by throwing, kicking, poisoning, or burning them. Finally, no women believed that shelters/police could do more to help them exit IPV. This was surprising, since most women reported difficulties finding safe places for their pets. Overall, results suggested that many women delay exiting IPV due to concerns about, or difficulty finding shelter for, their pets. Thus, building support services for pets affected by IPV would appear important in assisting battered women to leave abusive situations more quickly. |
