News
SILENT VICTIMS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE
Many
domestic violence experts know that pets living in violent homes
are often hurt, along with women and children. Animals may be
silent victims who are threatened, injured or killed by an abuser
in order to control or intimidate other members of the household.
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) notes that, just
like other family members, animals need a place to be safe.
To
bring more attention to the connection between animal cruelty
and family violence, The HSUS has chosen the theme “Animal
Cruelty IS Family Violence” for its 2004 Animal Cruelty/Human
Violence Awareness Week, which is April 18 to 24. As part of these
awareness efforts, The HSUS will launch an online directory of
Safe Havens for Animals™ programs at www.hsus.org/firststrike.
Programs
in the online directory can save animal and human lives by providing
temporary care for animals that come from homes where there is
family violence. In a recent 2003 sample of some of the largest
domestic violence shelters around the country, The HSUS found
that 91 percent of adult victims and 73 percent of children discussed
incidents of pet abuse in the family. The online directory will
provide a national, comprehensive list of safe haven programs
for advocates and victims, so they can easily access programs
in their state.
During
the Awareness Week, The HSUS will also introduce other new resources
for domestic violence service providers and animal care professionals.
These include guidelines for establishing Safe Havens for Animals
type programs, a promotional poster, results from a survey of
domestic violence shelters, suggested questions about animals
for domestic violence intake forms, information on how to help,
a sample letter to the editor and press release, and the Report
of Animal Cruelty Cases in America during 2003.
To
learn more about this year's efforts or to promote awareness of
the connection between animal cruelty and family violence in your
community, visit www.animalcrueltyisfamilyviolence.org
--Speaking
Up, Volume 10, Issue 7
April 16, 2004
Family Violence Prevention Fund
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