Domestic Abuse and Pet Ownership

A significant number of individuals experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, with one in three women and one in four men affected. A crucial barrier for many survivors delaying their exit from abusive situations is the inability to take their pets with them. This demonstrates the often-overlooked link between domestic violence and pet ownership, highlighting a genuine concern for survivors who feel they cannot abandon their pets in dangerous situations. Efforts are being made to address this issue, particularly through the establishment of pet-friendly domestic violence shelters.