Domestic violence & pet abuse
The issue
Cruelty to animals is common in domestic violence. People who use violence will often threaten, injure and even kill a pet to control family members. The impact this has on children who bear witness to this abuse can be long lasting.
Fear for their beloved pet’s safety is one reason people, usually women, delay leaving their abuser. Most can’t take their pets with them when seeking refuge and fear they will be harmed or killed if they’re left behind.
Pet Refuge will help to remove that barrier to leaving by giving these pets a safe, temporary home with the end goal of reuniting with them with their family.
Research
New Zealand has the highest reported rate of family violence in the OECD. New Zealand also has the second highest rate of pet ownership globally.
Research has established that where women are at risk, animals are also at risk.
2018 Women’s Refuge research of women whose partners had abused or threatened to abuse their pets found:
- 22% of children witnessed pet abuse
- 23% had an animal killed by their partner
- 53% delayed leaving family violence out of fear for their pet’s safety
- 73% would have found it easier to leave if there was a shelter offering temporary accommodation for their pets
Read the Women's Refuge 'Pet Abuse as part of Intimate Partner Violence' Research.
Survivor Stories
Brave survivors speak up about their experience with domestic violence and pet abuse.
If you are wanting to share your domestic violence and pet abuse experience with us, please email [email protected]
If you are wanting help now, call the Women’s Refuge crisis line on 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843.
If you are in immediate danger please call 111.
Articles and links
New Zealand
Abuse of pets linked to animal violence
Women and their fur-babies: leaving family violence together
2018 Women's Refuge 'Pets as part of Intimate Partner Violence' Research
International
Intimate partner violence and companion animal welfare
Animal cruelty and domestic violence