Walk to raise awareness about pets and family violence

[Catherine]

I am glad your friend's situation worked out.

The outcome is not always good. The abuser threatens the pets if the person tries to leave. If they leave the pet behind it can be very bad. Sometimes the animal is abused as  an act of revenge. Sometimes the animal is abused as a threat to the abused spouse. Abuser are not stupid. They can get away with hurting a pet better than they can get away with hurting a child.

The need to protect a pet can keep someone in an abusive situation long after the danger has become critical.

You are right Ruth, it is time shelters helped women(or men) escape abuse and still protect their pets. No one should have to leave a pet behind or stay at the risk of personal safety. Once someone becomes abusive, no one is safe.

I hope this is an issue that we all become aware of because it is so important.

I can't imagine what a gentle little pet must feel when he sees his loving owner being abused. There must be so much fear and anxiety. Pets suffer trauma just as much as we do.