A.S.H. PROGRAM
The Storm of Domestic Violence affects Everyone
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ANIMAL ABUSE
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN PETS & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Pets are part of the family in the majority of American households, where nearly threefourths of families with school age children have at least one companion animal. These animals are often treated like members of the family, but if the family is experiencing violence, they can become targets as well. Abusive family members may threaten, injure or kill pets, often as a way of threatening or controlling others in the family.
ABUSE STORIES
"GinGin" was a 16 yr. old chihuahua mix, and "Jasmine" is a 24 yr. old black Persian. They came to Circleville after the owner left her batterer. The night before, he had beaten her so bad, she feared the next tiime he would kill her. She had no choice but to leave her loyal, loving, friends behind. GinGin would attempt to bite him, but he would kick her. The last six months the victim was in the house, GinGin, Jasmine, and the victim would lay on the couch, her pets covered with a blanket, so no one would rock the boat.The victim spoke of how she was to afraid to tell anyone, and how she hoped someone could just read her eyes and they would know about the abuse. No one did. The day she left she had to leave her pets because she knew if she took her animals, he would stop her from leaving. She used the excuse that she was going to get some prescriptions. One month later the A.S.H. Program got these two frightened pets. They both had severe flea alergies, and were very afraid. GinGin had open sores that had become infected and she had to have seven teeth removed. January 2, 2001, GinGin had to be put to sleep. Her owner thanked me for giving GinGin 2 years of violent free life. As for Jasmine, she is still very beautiful and sassy.
