Up to 40% of domestic violence victims feel unable to get away from their abuser for fear of what will happen to their pet.
71% of victims entering domestic violence shelters report that their abuser had threatened, injured, or killed their family pet.
There are countless statistics connecting animal abuse to domestic violence. A victim may find a pet to be the only source of love. A pet will be used by an abuser as a weapon to control the victim. Our pets are part of our families and victims of domestic violence will not leave their family behind. One victim becomes many.
But what does theoretical statements and statistics look like in real life.
It looks like two Michigan Humane investigators responding to a call of a man senseless and violently beating a dog and recording it. A dog that he stole after breaking into the home where a victim was seeking safety. It looks like those videos being repeatedly sent to the victim as way to threaten and control the victim.
It looks like real people. A scared woman, her child, and a horribly abused and beaten dog.
We saw it in action – our team stepped up and held an abuser accountable with help from the Michigan Attorney General’s office. We were, and are, a voice for all victims – people and pet.
Our vision of creating a more humane community through the intersection of people and pets is powerfully portrayed in this case. The animal was a window into the lives of someone who was suffering. Someone who, unquestionably, was not safe. Through that lens were able to address a multitude of issues and create a safer life for a family.
If you find yourself in this situation, please call us. We are here to help.
If you feel compelled to join our compassionate foster program to provide a safe place for a pet and allow a family to escape from a domestic violence situation. Call us. The need is very real.
We create safer and healthier communities. That connection is very real, and we were reminded of how important our work is this week.
Photo Credit: Michigan Humane