Animal Violence & the Human/Animal Connection
Australia has one of the highest rates of animal ownership in the world. Sadly, we also have one of the highest rates of family/domestic violence, too. This means that many animals, who are a part of the family, also become victims when a family is subjected to family/domestic violence. For many people, leaving an animal behind to an uncertain fate is inconceivable. Many victim/survivors report that they delayed leaving a violent home, or returned to a violent home, because there was nowhere safe to care for the animal. As N Taylor and H Fraser explain, for many people who have experienced domestic and family violence, the loving relationship they share with an animal can provide victim/survivors with” the will to live, eat, sleep and keep caring for others, and in the process, maintain the will to rebuild their lives.”* An animal is often the only comfort, defender or friend a victim/survivor has.
When we fail to address animal cruelty, we are failing to address human need too.
* N.Taylor and H.Fraser, Companion Animals and Domestic Violence, Rescuing You, Rescuing Me, Palgrave, 2019, 4.