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| Now that the cold has set in, I have to fight with Michael for a seat in the office. |
What is the
link between the abuse of animals and the abuse of humans? Dr Heather Fraser
gave an interesting talk on this very dark but important topic at the
Australian Veterinary Association conference. The key message is that we need
specific services to address this issue, including support and training for
veterinarians.
Back to the
“link”. There are two main theses: the graduation thesis, whereby perpetrators
start being cruel to animals graduate to people. This has been the focus of the
media, particularly in relation to serial killers. The second is
desensitisation – that deliberate harm of animals exists within a range of
callous, antisocial and often harmful antisocial behaviours.
Abuse of
animals may be part of family violence, an indicator of the risk of future
violence, and an indicator of child abuse.
Domestic
violence victims may delay leaving a potentially dangerous situation because of
concerns about their animals. There are increasing numbers of domestic violence
services that can accommodate animals, and referral services, but there is a
need for expansion of these services and greater awareness around them.
People who
abuse animals are more likely to use more extreme violence against victims in
the domestic setting. Abusers of animals are five times as likely to harm
humans. In other words, if someone harms your pet and lives with you, your
chance of being harmed increases five times.
Early
animal abuse is a risk factor for both involvement in domestic violence
perpetration, but also violent victimisation. Both are terrible. A major
problem is that domestic violence occurs behind closed doors. Perpetrators aren’t
always male. Unfortunately, just like other members of society, veterinarians
may be involved as perpetrators of domestic violence.
Human and
animal survivors of domestic violence potentially share many things in common,
including injuries, fear, anger/aggression, depression, anxiety, compulsions,
potential to internalise subordination, hypervigilance and acting out
behaviour, trust issues, compromised health, a higher burden of disease, and
increased risk of further victimisation and neglect.
In a talk
by lawyer Amelia Beveridge and colleague, I learned that one of the biggest
barriers to domestic violence reporting is shame – and many victims are too
ashamed to speak to their vet. So while it is important that vets are trained
to keep an eye out for signs of animal abuse, the truth is this can be hard to
spot and even victims may have a vested interest in hiding this. Reporting of suspected domestic violence is not mandatory in Australia, an issue I've discussed elsewhere.
Perhaps one
of the most helpful things we can do is to make resources available and accessible, as below.
Vets can
place brochures, posters and phone numbers for referral services and shelters
in their waiting room, or numbers like the Domestic Violence Line 1800 656 463.
For those
scared to leave a violent situation without their animals, there are increasing
resources including the RSPCA’s Safe Beds for Pets program.
If you want
to read more about this, I recommend Animal Abuse: Helping Animals and People,
by Catherine Tiplady.
The other thing I've found personally incredibly helpful is advice from professional boards and associations, including the Veterinary Practitioners Board and the Australian Veterinary Association. These are difficult situations to negotiate and one can benefit by seeking expert advice.
