The email started out by saying two dogs, whose human mother was struggling with some incredibly difficult decisions, were in need of help. The human mother had to leave the house quickly as a result of an abusive relationship. The mother would be able to get out of the house with her young child, but, based on experience, was concerned to leave her two beloved dogs behind. The woman was challenged to find a way to care for her two dogs. She struggled with what to do–leaving the dogs behind would surely leave them in an unsafe, and potentially abusive, situation.

Over the next week emails outlining this story and the associated requests for, and offers to, help circulated throughout the anipal community. Some who received the email were able to offer assistance with transportation, others donated money, a few were willing to take the dogs until they found a permanent home; and then someone was able to find a family who wanted to take the two dogs. The dogs, and the woman and child, were able to find the resources they needed, at the right time, in order to have quality outcomes. But is this the norm?

The Studies

Studies indicate that when abuse is present in a household, the likelihood of that abuse being turned on an animal is extremely high. Consider data compiled by the American Humane Association that reveals 71% of pet-owning women entering women’s shelters reported that their batterer had injured, maimed, killed or threatened family pets for revenge or to psychologically control victims; 32% reported their children had hurt or killed animals. Studies overwhelmingly identify the correlation between abusive human relationships and the subsequent malevolent treatment that befalls the animals. Dr. Ascione, Utah State University published The Abuse of Animals and Domestic Violence: A National Survey of Shelters for Women Who Are Battered, which reported his scientific findings on the affects of domestic abuse and animals. Dr. Ascione’s findings are astounding: nearly 86% of the women, and 63% of the children, surveyed reported incidents of pet abuse. Additional like-findings can be found on the ASPCA’s website, and a wealth of information can be found on the Pet Abuse website as well.

Anipals in the Know

In order to learn more about the issues that befall animals where abuse is present in their household, I decide to meet up with Vicki Boatright (@BZTAT) at BZTAT Studios Gallery at Embrace Pet Insurance in Beechwood, OH, USA. @BZTAT is an accomplished artist as well as licensed professional clinical counselor, working as a child and family therapist since the early 90s. As I walked up to her studio, Vicki opened the front door and welcomed me inside. “Thank you for visiting me Mattie,” offered @BZTAT as she warmly embraced me.  “I invited @BunnyJeanCook to join us as she’s been working on a project with me.” I join the twosome, settling in to a cozy spot in the corner of @BZTAT’s gallery.  As I make myself comfy next to @BunnyJeanCook, my eyes come to rest on a portrait of a cute white cat with a curious little face. ”That’s Okey,” says Vicki, “that wonderful little cat helps convey the story about how abuse in a human relationship has serious implications on animals.”

“As you’ve found, statistics back up my own anecdotal experience as a therapist for trauma survivors,” said @BZTAT.  “I started Okey’s Promise (@MizzOkeyDokey) as a way to share information about a public art project I’m working on that is designed to create awareness about the connections between animal maltreatment, child abuse and domestic violence.” Vicki continued, “The purpose of Okey’s Promise, named for a small rescued cat, is to create artworks that will be prominently viewed in the community to generate interest and awareness. They will be positive in nature. The purpose is to remind us of the riches we have in helping those who are most vulnerable in society.” @BZTAT sits next to me and shows me a video that outlines the goals and vision of Okey’s Promise.

“I originally became involved through a conversation with @BZTAT during a paint-a-thon (you can read about it here),” said @BunnyJeanCook. “We were talking about an article in a paper that addressed issues at an animal shelter. The author implied that caring for abused animals was not as important as caring for abused children. @BZTAT told me that the child welfare movement actually grew out of the animal welfare movement. She mentioned at that time that she might do ‘something’ to make people aware of the connection–Okey’s Promise is the result.”  @BunnyJeanCook contributes to the Okey’s Promise blog, “My first post discussed how animals teach kids about empathy. I also did a post on my own blog about a program that helps domestic violence shelters provide care for families with pets.”

“Mattie,” said @BZTAT, “I have a great resource, The Violence Connection, from the Doris Day Animal Foundation (DDAF) on the Okey’s Promise website.” The DDAF is a national nonprofit organization working to improve society’s treatment of animals through education and advocacy programs; and published The Violence Connection as a part of their Creating Caring Communities initiative. ”I hope your followers take the time to read through this very important document,” said @BZTAT.  The Violence Connections is a document that reviews, in great detail, animal cruelty and the subsequent violence that likely exists wherever animal cruelty is present.

The Resources

After we move out in to the little courtyard, looking at some of @BZTAT’s other art pieces, I tell her and @BunnyJeanCook how touched I was by the anipal’s quick responses to the two dogs mentioned in the email. ”Yes, the anipal community is a generous one,” said @BZTAT. I continue by telling them that, as a result of that email, how much I learned about the resources available for animals whose families are trying to get out of  an abusive relationship. ”Oh yes, there are, and hopefully soon more resources will be identified,” said @BunnyJeanCook.  @BZTAT continued, “I maintain an updated list of these types of contacts on the Okey’s Promise Resources page. It contains information for everything from various hotlines to domestic violence shelters with on-site accommodations for pets.” If you know of a resource that should be listed on the Okey’s Promise Resources website, please contact @BZTAT, she would be happy to add information that help animals involved in a domestic abuse situation.

“The safety of a family’s pets is often a consideration for victims of domestic violence as they contemplate leaving an abuser,” said @BZTAT. “That is why it is extremely important for courts to have legal recourse in dealing with animals in homes affected by domestic violence. Oregon just passed Senate Bill 616 that “authorizes courts to include order providing for safety and welfare of parties’ animals in restraining order under Family Abuse Prevention Act. My blog post about this Oregon legislation is a success story and will hopefully lead to more available resources for animals!”

Thank you

As I get up to leave, I thank @BZTAT and @BunnyJeanCook for agreeing to meet with me to discuss this issue. ”Oh Mattie, you are so welcome,” said @BunnyJeanCook. “I appreciate you talking to us and including this important issue in The Anipal Times,” agreed @BZTAT. “As you can see, Okey was the catalyst for starting the art project to spread the word. I have worked with child victims of trauma who started developing patterns of animal abuse themselves as a way to cope with their own feelings of dis-empowerment. When the research started coming out, it was a validation of what I had observed over the years. You can read more about my inspiration and how the money was raised for the first Okey’s Promise mural here. It’s about 60% complete. We are still working to confirm a location for the piece, we hope to have news on that soon. Your readers can see the process how I make the Okey’s Promise mural here. I will be speaking about the Okey’s Promise project at BlogPaws–maybe you and your readers can join me there and learn more about this important issue!

All art work included by permission of @BZTAT.  Photo used by permission of @MarioDaCat.

Tagged as: @BunnyJeanCook, @bztat, abuse, Animal cruelty prevention, domestic violence, Okey's Promise