Since they are treated as family members, experts have found that domestic violence also affects the lives of pets.
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Many domestic violence survivors report that their abusers threatened their pets. According to experts, this threat of animal abuse can be a reason why victims are afraid to leave an abusive partner.
This is revealed by a study from 2007 conducted by Frank Ascione. In the research, nearly half of the victims of domestic violence reported that they stayed in abusive relationships or delayed leaving the abusive partner out of fear that their pet would be harmed in some way.
Like many other forms of abuse, abusers target pets to instill fear and gain obedience. Pet abuse is an especially cruel tactic because it creates another barrier to escape for the victim and causes suffering to an innocent creature.
Animals experience emotions that include fear, joy, and despair. A recent study published in the journal Nature showed that they form attachment bonds with their humans and are affected by an unsafe and fear-filled home.
For the sake of the animals and the families who love them, it is important to offer domestic violence victims safety planning and resources that include their pets, so they can rebuild safe and self-sufficient lives with their beloved pets.
This content was created with the help of AI.
