Citation

Krienert JL, Walsh JA, Matthews K, McConkey K. Violence Vict. 2012; 27(2): 280-295.

Affiliation

Department of Criminal Justice Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois 61791, USA. jlkrien@ilstu.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Springer Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

22594221

Abstract

Companion animals play a complex role in families impacted by violence. An outlet of emotional support for victims, the family pet often becomes a target for physical abuse. Results from a comprehensive e-survey of domestic violence shelters nationwide (N = 767) highlight both improvements and existing gaps in service provision for domestic violence victims and their pets. Quantitative and qualitative data noted frequently encountered obstacles to successful shelter seeking by abuse victims with companion animals including a lack of availability, funding, space, and reliable programming. Although results indicate an overall improvement in organizational awareness, fewer than half of surveyed shelters include intake questions about animals. Continued awareness and an expansion of services is needed to create viable safety planning strategies and reliable alternatives for women with companion animals in order to improve the likelihood that abuse victims will seek escape and refuge for themselves, their children, and their pets.

Language: en