To the Editor: Pet abuse is considered another form of family abuse, and is a powerful marker for other forms of violence happening in the home. Women and children living with violence, isolated by their abuser, often form intense bonds with their pets. Perpetrators will use animal cruelty as a means to intimidate and control their partners and children.1,2 Women will put themselves at increased risk due to concern for their pets.1-5
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- 1. Loring MT, Bolden-Hines TA. Pet abuse by batterers as a means of coercing battered women into committing illegal behaviour. J Emot Abuse 2004; 4: 27-37.
- 2. Ascione FR, Weber CV, Thompson TM, et al. Battered pets and domestic violence: animal abuse reported by women experiencing intimate violence and by nonabused women. Violence Against Women 2007; 13: 354-373.
- 3. Volant AM, Johnson JA, Gullone E, Coleman GJ. The relationship between domestic violence and animal abuse: an Australian study. J Interpers Violence 2008; 23: 1277-1295.
- 4. Flynn CP. Woman’s best friend: pet abuse and the role of companion animals in the lives of battered women. Violence Against Women 2000; 6: 162-177.
- 5. Faver CA, Strand EB. To leave or to stay? Battered women’s concern for vulnerable pets. J Interpers Violence 2003; 18: 1367-1377.
We thank Dr Peter Lewis (Area Director, Northern Sydney Central Coast Health Public Health Unit) and Mr Steven Coleman (Chief Executive Officer, RSPCA NSW) for their support, Dr Eleonora Gullone (Monash University) and Professor Frank Ascione (Utah University) for comment on the questionnaire, and the women who took part in the survey.