The Link Between Domestic Violence and Animal Abuse
Did you know there’s a direct correlation between domestic violence and animal abuse? When animals are abused, people are at risk. When people are abused, animals are at risk.
Many domestic violence survivors have deep emotional bonds with their pets. That connection offers comfort, safety, and unconditional love. But it can also be weaponized.
"The survivor’s emotional attachment to the animals, and the kids’ emotional attachment, becomes a point of vulnerability. Abusing pets is one of the most pervasive weapons, and one of the most effective." (Phil Arkow, National Link Coalition)
🔹 An estimated 1 million animals are abused or killed each year in connection with domestic violence
🔹 71% of pet owners in domestic violence shelters report threats or harm to pets by the abuser
🔹 87% of these incidents happened in front of women to control them
🔹 75% happened in front of children
🔹 Pet abuse was present in 88% of families under supervision for child abuse
🔹 A history of pet abuse is one of the top 4 indicators of future batterers
🔹 Survivors on average try to leave 7 times, and that number increases when pets are involved
🚩 Red flags of abuse:
• Survivor avoids eye contact, seems nervous
• Anxiety about a pet’s safety
• Visible injuries or withdrawn behavior
• Mentions "I can't leave because of my pet"
• Isolation from friends or family
💔 If something feels off, speak up. Our pets are often silent witnesses to abuse. Let’s make sure they’re not forgotten.
Learn more about the link between domestic violence and animal abuse.
