Citation

Strand EB, Faver CA. J. Fam. Soc. Work 2006; 9(4): 39-58.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J039v09n04_04

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Building on the foundation of previous research about battered women's experiences with animal abuse, this study takes a closer look at: (1) the factors associated with battered women's concern for their pets and (2) decision making associated with this concern. Quantitative survey data of in-shelter domestic violence victims as well as qualitative interview data relating a domestic violence worker's experiences with pet-owning battered women are reported. Study results include: (1) a small proportion of battered women are prompted to leave abusive relationships because of concern for the welfare of their pets; (2) battered women continue to worry about their pets after coming into shelter; and (3) childless pet-owning domestic violence victims are more likely to consider the welfare of their pets in decision making and grieve more deeply in being separated from them than domestic violence victims with children. The study findings suggest that in working with pet-owning domestic violence victims, social workers must consider the welfare of the women's pets in order to effectively help the women achieve safety for themselves and their families.