NewsFlash

Many domestic violence experts know that pets living in violent homes are often hurt, along with women and children. Animals may be silent victims who are threatened, injured or killed by an abuser in order to control or intimidate other members of the household. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) notes that, just like other family members, animals need a place to be safe.

To bring more attention to the connection between animal cruelty and family violence, The HSUS has chosen the theme "Animal Cruelty IS Family Violence" for its 2004 Animal Cruelty/Human Violence Awareness Week, which is April 18 to 24. As part of these awareness efforts, The HSUS will launch an online directory of Safe Havens for Animals™ programs at www.hsus.org/firststrike.

Programs in the online directory can save animal and human lives by providing temporary care for animals that come from homes where there is family violence. In a recent 2003 sample of some of the largest domestic violence shelters around the country, The HSUS found that 91 percent of adult victims and 73 percent of children discussed incidents of pet abuse in the family. The online directory will provide a national, comprehensive list of safe haven programs for advocates and victims, so they can easily access programs in their state.

During the Awareness Week, The HSUS will also introduce other new resources for domestic violence service providers and animal care professionals. These include guidelines for establishing Safe Havens for Animals type programs, a promotional poster, results from a survey of domestic violence shelters, suggested questions about animals for domestic violence intake forms, information on how to help, a sample letter to the editor and press release, and the Report of Animal Cruelty Cases in America during 2003.

To learn more about this year's efforts or to promote awareness of the connection between animal cruelty and family violence in your community, visit www.animalcrueltyisfamilyviolence.org

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