It has been proven over and over that people who abuse humans often abused animals first. For example, Ted Bundy, Albert DeSalvo (the “Boston Strangler” and David Berkowitz (the “Son of Sam”) all admitted to torturing, abusing, and killing animals when they were younger.
But it’s not just mass murderers to abuse animals – studies show that domestic violence often involves pets as well. In fact, one study mentioned by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) had reported that 88 percent of families under investigation for physical abuse of children also had animal abuse. (humanesociety.org).
Even worse, it’s been shown that many women won’t leave the abusive environment because they have don’t anywhere they can go that will take the pets, and they fear their spouse will abuse and even kill them should they leave them behind.
The HSUS said that “Recent studies have shown that a common component to domestic abuse is the intentional targeting of pets for abuse to exert control over their intimate partners. As many as 25 percent of domestic violence survivors have reported returning to an abusive partner out of concern for their pet.”
Despite this fact, only 3 percent of domestic violence shelters nationwide can accommodate pets.
A Mission Of Love
Adriana Meucci, a shelter volunteer and animal welfare blogger, and a dedicated group of activists are working to change this through their Facebook page “Forgotten Victims of Domestic Abuse,” which fuels support for the PAWS (The Pets and Women Safety) Act.
Meucci has been an animal lover all her life, volunteering with several non-profits as an adult. She knew she wanted to spend her life helping those animals who could not speak nor help themselves.
In college, she studied psychology and social work courses that dealt with domestic violence. She met many people that worked within the field and learned about the struggles and challenges they faced to help this population, mainly of women.
“But, it was also in my college years that I encountered people who grew up with violence in their homes,” Meucci told iHeartDogs.com “I saw the awful ramifications and outcomes upon their emotional lives due to the abuse and violence they witnessed and endured. I would also notice many of their pets looked forlorned, bewildered, withdrawn and downright neglected. I wondered what was being done to these animals and how domestic violence impacts pets. I also heard many horror stories of the terror abusers afflicted on these animals.”
It was then that Meucci decided she need to work toward helping these women and their pets escape these situations safely.
“Approximately 40 percent of women stay in abusive relationships for the sake of their pet,” Meucci explains. “Other statistics point to even higher numbers. Battered women often report that pets were the only source of support and comfort during their darkest hours. Most women felt they could not leave a dangerous situation because of threats to injure or murder their beloved animals by abusers.”
“Abusers use intimidation against pets as sources of terror, in hopes of keeping family members under control and domination, and stop them from leaving,” she explains. “These harsh facts have been largely ignored in the past. Hopefully, a better day is coming.”
With the help of a friend, Meucci set up “Forgotten Victims of Domestic Abuse” and created a video depicting the plight of relationship violence and pet abuse. These, along with petitions they have started, are all to help bring the PAWS Act to the forefront of the news and people’s minds. Many do not even know the Act exists, a fact Meucci is working on changing.
Their video is an artistically poignant reminder of abuse and it’s affects.
“My mind often reflects back on the stories I have heard from victims,” she told us. “Histories that include being forced to live out of cars with their adoring animals, have to walk miles in freezing temperatures with their pets, after being kicked out in the middle of nowhere by their abusers. Other stories include witnessing the torture of pets in front of family members. No one should have to endure these horrific injustices-not women, not children, not animals.
We also know pets can be a comfort and even heal people’s soul. Those who have suffered abuse need their pets more than anyone.
The PAWS Act
According to Meucci:
“The Pets and Women Safety Act (H.R. 1258) would give expansive federal protection to pets of domestic violence victims. Moreover, this law would provide a much needed federal grant program to help provide safe haven and pet friendly domestic violence shelters. As one social worker from a domestic violence agency told me: ‘This law must simply be passed.’ Presently, the bill is before the Congress.”
This act would give money to shelters and other organizations to increase the number of pet-friendly safe havens nationwide, removing pets a barrier for women and children seeking to leave domestic violence situations.
“The PAWS ACT needs to be passed because there exists a tremendous need for pet friendly housing and pet accommodations at domestic violence shelters,” Meucci explains. “Women and animals under the rule of their abusers are in imminent danger of being harmed, maimed, and sadly killed. This bill is vital for the safety and well-being of all concerned. No one has the right to abuse anyone physically, psychologically, emotionally, or financially. We need to provide people and animals a way out of this horror of family violence.”
Meucci added that that in many states pets can now be included in restraining orders, the PAWS ACT would take this a step further by making sure women can escape to safe havens with space for their pets as well as themselves and their children.
How You Can Help
To help, please contact your state legislatures and tell them to pass the PAWS ACT. Also, sign online petitions, educate yourself and others.
“We all need to get busy in our communities making sure there are adequate shelters for abuse victims and their pets,” Meucci says. “All domestic violence shelters should be able to accept pets on site. There should be animal rescues that will accept the pets of persons escaping family violence, at a moment’s notice. We also need the police and animal control and shelters working together. The PAWS ACT needs to pass!”
In addition, groups like The Ahimsa House can use volunteers in a variety of ways, including foster families to take care of pets while the women get back on their feet.
Resources For Women With Pets
In the meantime, we asked Meucci for resources for women who may be currently in this type of situation and need to escape with pets.
- If you are immediate danger, dial 911
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline’s number is 800-799-7233.
- Contact your local domestic violence shelte
- Other great websites include: Redrover.org, helpguide.org, safehorizon.org, and Rosebrooks.org.
Meucci notes that women should, be careful when searching online for help, as abusers can monitor your search history and more.
Be ready to leave she says! Experts suggested victims keep a bag hidden with important items such as birth certificates, driver’s license, money, credit cards, extra sets of keys, medications, etc. –in case you must flee. Also, if you are escaping with your pet, include water bowl, food, proof of ownership, medications, towels, leashes, collars, bedding, toys, etc. Have a plan, and practice it in your mind.
