By
Mae
For us animal lovers, the topic of animal abuse brings up strong emotions. From direct violence to abuse by neglect, animal rights campaigners have been working around the world to protect animals from this kind of abuse.
But there is another, more subtle form of abuse, that is affecting pets the world over: and it’s linked to domestic abuse.
The Link Between Domestic Abuse and Animal Abuse
Domestic abuse, as defined by the United Nations, is “a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.”
Domestic abuse comes in different forms. The most obvious is physical abuse, but many victims experience emotional, sexual, verbal, psychological and economic abuse.
It has long been known that perpetrators of animal abuse are more likely to be violent towards their partners or children: after all, it’s a short step from treating a family pet in an inhumane way, to treating members of the family in a similar way.
But a new law in the UK recognizes that the reverse is also true: that sometimes abusive people use pets as a way to abuse their partners.
Economic Abuse: More Than Just Holding The Purse Strings
Economic abuse, also called financial abuse, happens when an individual controls their partner’s finances. This can mean they don’t allow their partner access to money when they need it, or that they spend all the money so there is none left.
This can leave the victim without the means to care for their pet properly, by buying suitable food, or providing veterinary care when it’s needed. Both the victim and the pet are affected by the abuse.
Not only that, but a victim trying to escape their abuser often has a difficult choice to make. Many refuges can’t accept pets, so the victim either has to make other arrangements (which, bearing in mind they don’t have access to their money, is next to impossible), or leave their pet with their abusive ex.
Knowing the possible consequences to their pet is one of the reasons people stay in abusive relationships longer than they should.
How the New UK Domestic Abuse Act Will Help
In the UK, the 2021 Domestic Abuse Act specifies pets as part of an individual’s property, together with the person’s phone and car. If an individual becomes dependent on their partner for access to their property, then it constitutes economic abuse, which is a form of Domestic Abuse and punishable by law. People suffering from disabled right to use money to buy essentials including feeding their pets will now fall under this jurisdiction.
Changes are expected to come following the new legislation’s roll out. Control over another person’s finances including their pets is now covered, assuring not only the victim’s safety but animal welfare as well. And in light of this new law, there is increased awareness of pet sheltering options for people fleeing domestic abuse.
Dog fostering services such as Dogs Trust Freedom Project, Safe Place for Pets, Cats Protection Paws Protect, and the like are offering shelter to pets. Animals may be kept together with or separate from their owners, provided protection for the individual victim and pets while waiting for case proceedings and new secure places to stay.
Economic abuse as a form of domestic violence is now shedding its light as this new law creates awareness, offers security to pets, and comfort to pet owners. Now, an individual will no longer fear for themselves or their pets’ lives when they plan their escape.
A Global Issue
In other parts of the world, protection of pets is also included in various laws such as National Registration for Companion Animals, Animal Cruelty Law, and Animal Welfare Act. The Animal Welfare Institute in the US is also making sure that pets are represented when domestic violence is present. Pets can also be included in protection orders to ensure that owners can safely escape abuse along with their pets.
Pet Fostering Services are also made available around the globe, in cases where animals are not yet given a safe home. The presence of World Animal Protection and Global Animal Law also recognizes the quality of animal safety. Together, more and more NGOs and government agencies are recognizing the necessary steps towards including pets in domestic abuse, making sure they are covered, secured and humanely taken care of.