With disturbing headlines about domestic violence so often in the news, it's not difficult to understand the damaging situations victims of family violence frequently face. People may not realize that pets in violent homes are often hurt, too.
Animals in these situations are silent victims, who may be threatened, injured or killed by a violent family member to control or intimidate other members of the household. Just like other family members, animals need a safe haven.
Animal Cruelty is Family Violence
During one week every April, The HSUS highlights the importance of Safe Havens for Animals™ programs, which involve collaborative relationships between domestic violence shelters, animal shelters, and community agencies and businesses such as veterinary hospitals to provide temporary housing for victims' pets. The HSUS hosts an online directory of such programs and publish a booklet to assist animal care professionals, domestic violence advocates, and veterinary professionals in creating these life-saving programs.
Among other awareness efforts, The HSUS also released its Report of Animal Cruelty Cases and the results of a recent survey of several of the largest domestic violence shelters around the country.
The Report of Animal Cruelty Cases, Safe Havens for Animals online database, and booklet are also available on this website. Animal care and human services professionals who would like to download a First Strike information kit can email The HSUS at firststrike@hsus.org. Please include your mailing address. You can also call First Strike toll free at 1-888-213-0956.
Updated Dec. 16, 2008
