Citation

Wuerch MA, Giesbrecht C, Jeffrey N, Knutson T, Wach F. J. Interpers. Violence 2018; ePub(ePub): 886260518795503.

Affiliation

Saskatchewan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0886260518795503

PMID

30139292

Abstract

The present study examined the experiences of animal welfare and intimate partner violence service providers living in urban, rural, and northern communities in Saskatchewan, Canada. Two online surveys were distributed among animal welfare and intimate partner violence service providers across the province. Quantitative and qualitative information was obtained to further understand how concern for animal care and safekeeping impacts the decision to leave an abusive relationship. The questions asked in the online surveys were designed, reviewed, and revised based on feedback from a community-based project advisory team. Descriptive statistics and detailed comments highlighted important findings and suggestions for improvement.

FINDINGS suggest that concern for animal care and safekeeping creates challenges for individuals leaving abusive partners, especially those living in rural and northern communities, and further demonstrate the importance of collaboration between animal welfare and intimate partner violence service providers. Further research is warranted to inform and improve the development and implementation of national support services and resources.

Language: en

Keywords

animal care; intimate partner violence; rural communities; service providers