For many of us, our pets are like our children, and just as we would do anything to protect our children, we would do anything to make sure our pets are safe. Psychology Today found that 91% of abuse victims report that their pets' emotional support was needed for them to survive and heal from their abusive situation (Corner, 2021). This can make it hard for those who are still in abusive partnerships to leave as, in many cases when abuse is experienced in the household, animals are just as likely to be victims.
So, what can one do when faced with the threat of their pet being abused by their partner as well? For those who are in a position to leave, The Animal Welfare Institute has come up with a step-by-step guide for survivors of domestic abuse on how they can include their pets in protective orders. Ohio is one of eleven states that allows for survivors' pets to be included in protective orders, thus they don’t have to make the tough decision of choosing between their pet or leaving an unsafe situation. Below are the beginning steps that can be taken to obtain a protective order in your state, links will be provided for those in the state of Ohio.
Beginning Steps to obtain a protective order:
Obtain an advocate or attorney who is familiar with protective orders in your state and can help you through the process. You can click here to find domestic violence advocates and lawyers near you in the state of Ohio.
While an advocate can be helpful throughout this process, you do not need one to obtain a protective order, if you do not have access to an advocate at this time, you can go to your local courthouse and begin filling out a protective order form, find your nearest courthouse in the state of Ohio here.
Collect any evidence you have of your abuser making threats towards you and/or your pet, this can be as simple as giving your testimony of your experience.
Explore resources for your pet while working with the courts to obtain a protective order, such as Paw in Hand, who can find housing for your pet while you seek safety.
Begin filling out appropriate paperwork to obtain a protective order in your state. A link to Ohio’s protective order form can be found here, and instructions on how to fill out the form can be found here.
For those who are unable to obtain a protective order but are still trying to leave an unsafe living situation, and are struggling to find a safe location for both them and their pet, Paw In Hand Project can help. Paw in Hand meets you where you’re at, and provides safe boarding for your pet, while you seek safety. It was found that 50% of abuse victims reported they would not consider a shelter if it did not allow them to have their pets (Corner, 2021). Thus, Paw in Hand recognizes the importance your pets play not only in your life, but your healing journey, and aims to return the power of choice to you.
What can you do if you or someone you know is in an abusive living situation with a pet?
Know that you/they are not alone, and there are resources and people who want to help them.
Reassure them that they don’t have to choose between abuse or their pet, our pets are family and there are organizations (like Paw in Hand) and resources (such as The Animal Welfare Institute) that recognize that.
Refer to the Animal Welfare Institute’s guide on protective orders to see if you or a loved one could qualify.
Reach out/Refer to The Paw in Hand Project, we are eager to help, whether you’re seeking services or looking to volunteer, with God as our guide we hope that no one ever has to be put in the position where their pets are used against them by an abuser.
If you or someone you know is trying to leave an abusive relationship please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline linked below, they’re open 24/7 and work with over 200+ languages, you can call, text, or live chat with an advocate at any time:
Written by Emma Cho
Other links to Help:
Sources:
Corner, C. (2021). When a Domestic Abuser Holds the Family Pet Hostage. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/202105/when-domestic-abuser-holds-the-family-pet-hostage
Including Pets in Domestic Violence Protection Orders in Ohio. Animal Welfare Institute. (n.d). https://awionline.org/content/including-pets-domestic-violence-protection-orders-ohio#forms-and-resources
New Manual Helps Protect Ohio Domestic Violence Survivors and their Pets. National Association of Social Workers, Ohio Chapter. (2018). https://www.naswoh.org/news/418094/New-manual-helps-protect-Ohio-domestic-violence-survivors-and-their-pets..htm
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