Cooperation
Now that the link between animal abuse and domestic violence has been identified, more and more efforts are being launched to address the issue. In Nashville, TN a new policy requires police officers on domestic violence calls to obtain animal abuse information as a lethality factor and batterers meeting this criterion are remanded to treatment. Since it’s inception, domestic violence fatalities have dropped dramatically.

It is also important to note that removing the victim of abuse (animal or human) may only cause another family member to be targeted. If the animal is removed without intervention for the children, they may become the next victims, and vice versa. Working together is the only way to ensure safety for all family members.

A disturbing trend in recent years is the competition between animal and human abuse agencies for funding, publicity, and recognition. However, working together, animal abuse and domestic violence professionals can become a stronger force in the fight against violence. Together we can

• inform each other,
• learn from each other,
• refer clients to each other,
• support each other,
• cross train each other, and
• secure more funding, publicity and recognition!