Research has shown that having animal companions comes with numerous mental and physical health benefits. For many people, pets are not only beloved companions but truly members of the family. Unfortunately, when domestic violence is present, abusers often recognize this bond and use it as another way to exert power and control. At the Greene County Family Justice Center (GCFJC), we include pets in a survivor’s safety plan, and partner with Rescue One through the SafePet Program to provide temporary, confidential foster care for pets because there is a growing body of research linking animal abuse and domestic violence.

Abusers may use physical violence, emotional abuse, financial control, isolation, and intimidation to maintain power and control. Pets can become part of this pattern. Studies have found that people who abuse their partners are significantly more likely to abuse animals.

In homes where domestic violence occurs, pets may be threatened, injured, neglected, or killed as a means of punishing or controlling family members. Children who witness violence against pets may experience trauma similar to that caused by witnessing violence against people.

Common ways abusers use animals as leverage include:

• Threatening to harm or kill a pet if a victim leaves.
• Injuring or killing an animal to punish or intimidate family members.
• Refusing to provide food or veterinary care.
• Using pets to monitor or manipulate a victim after separation.
• Threatening to abandon or surrender a beloved animal.
• Forcing victims or children to participate in harming an animal.

These tactics are designed to create fear and reinforce the message that no one in the household, human or animal, is safe.

 

Why Pets Can Make It Harder to Leave

Leaving an abusive relationship is often a complex process. Having a pet compounds that complexity. According to the National Link Coalition, concern for pets is a significant reason many survivors delay leaving abusive situations. Some victims stay because they fear their pets will be harmed if left behind. Others worry they will not be able to find safe housing that allows animals or afford the costs associated with caring for them during a transition.

For someone experiencing abuse, a pet may provide unconditional love, emotional support, and a sense of normalcy during a frightening and unpredictable time. The thought of abandoning a beloved companion can feel unbearable. Abusers understand this attachment and may exploit it to keep victims trapped.

 

Removing One More Barrier to Safety

Recognizing that concern for a beloved pet can be a significant barrier to safety, the GCFJC partners with Rescue One through the SafePet Program to provide temporary, confidential foster care for pets while survivors seek shelter and begin rebuilding their lives. Since its inception in July 2021, the program has provided safe haven for pets whose owners were escaping abuse.

The need continues to grow, reflecting the reality that many survivors remain in dangerous situations because they fear what may happen to the animals they love. Those seeking assistance are connected with a GCFJC Navigator, who can help them explore available resources and develop a safety plan that considers every member of the family, including pets.

The GCFJC serves as the connection between survivors and Rescue One’s network of foster families. Once an application is approved, survivors bring their pets to the GCFJC, where Rescue One coordinates the transfer and placement process. Foster home locations remain confidential to protect everyone involved. Although survivors do not know the exact location of their pets, they receive weekly updates and can have peace of mind knowing their companions are being cared for in safe, loving homes.

Most pets remain in foster care anywhere from two weeks to two months. During that time, Rescue One provides food, supplies, and veterinary care. When survivors have secured safe housing and regained stability, they are reunited with their pets. That reunion can be a powerful moment of healing. After experiencing trauma and uncertainty, survivors are able to reconnect with a beloved companion who has provided comfort and unconditional love throughout their journey. By removing one more barrier to leaving abuse, the SafePet Program offers hope and helps families move forward together.

As with all services offered through the Family Justice Center, support is voluntary, free, and guided by the needs and choices of the survivor. No one should have to choose between protecting themselves and protecting a beloved companion.

If you are interested in fostering an animal, visit Rescue One’s application page here.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, we can help plan how to stay safe. All our services are free, confidential and survivor centered. Visit us at 1418 E. Pythian Street or give us a call at 417-874-2600. We are open 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For after-hours assistance, call the Harmony House/Victim Center’s 24-hour safe line at 417-864-SAFE (7233). If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

 

About GCFJC

The Greene County Family Justice Center is a non-profit collaborative of local agencies offering comprehensive services to survivors of domestic, sexual, and family violence. Our services are trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and we welcome survivors at any point in their process. We partner with local non-profit service providers as well as local law enforcement, the Prosecutor’s office, and Children’s Division to make victim services more accessible and completely voluntary. If you do not want to participate in the criminal justice process, we support you.

Our vision is a future where we all work together to meet the needs of domestic violence and human trafficking survivors through comprehensive and accessible services, education, and perpetrator accountability. Through a coordinated framework and co-located response, we strive to break the vicious generational cycle and community impact of domestic violence and resulting victimizations.

We can help you plan for your safety whether you plan to stay in the relationship, or you are actively trying to escape. All our services are free, confidential and survivor centered. Have questions about what services are available? Visit us at 1418 E. Pythian Street or give us a call at 417-874-2600. We are open 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For after-hours assistance, call the Harmony House/Victim Center’s 24-hour safe line at 417-864-SAFE (7233). If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.