Breaking a vicious cycle

Breaking a vicious cycle


Animal abuse is a criminal act on its own, but it also commonly foreshadows domestic violence. And to complete this disheartening cycle, children who are exposed to domestic violence may be much more likely to abuse animals in the future.

Over 70 percent of women at domestic violence shelters report that their abuser first mistreated the family pet as a means of exerting control. In many cases, this keeps abused women in a bad situation. If they can’t take their pets along, then they don’t want to leave them at the mercy of their abuser.

Fortunately, some domestic violence shelters now welcome pets along with women and children. Foster families can also provide loving care for pets while human family members get on their feet.

Sometimes a helping hand can break a vicious cycle.

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