Understanding the connection between violence against animals and domestic violence can save lives. Join the fight to create safer homes for everyone.
The connection between violence against animals and domestic violence
Animal Protection Norway highlights the connection between violence against animals and domestic violence. Violence is a widespread problem in society, and many people live with threats and violence in their daily lives. In many of these homes, there are also family pets. It is important to be aware that where animals are abused, people are at risk. And conversely, where people are abused, animals are at risk.
Family pets can be directly involved in violent incidents by being subjected to physical violence. Other times, the family pets are used as a means of control, with threats being made that the animal will be harmed or killed. Many victims of violence therefore remain in violent homes, out of fear for what might happen to the animal if they leave the home.
See the connection
“See the Connection” is a collaboration between the Crisis Centre Secretariat, NMBU, and Animal Protection Norway, aiming to establish closer cooperation between, among others, healthcare services, child welfare, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, the police, and veterinarians. Improved cooperation will lead to better and faster help for those exposed to violence.
Regional seminars are held throughout the country to increase knowledge in the field, as well as to forge closer, interdisciplinary ties in the region.
Animal Protection Norway believes that the police and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority must be quicker to take animals into custody when their safety is threatened by violence. Additionally, we believe that it constitutes aggravating circumstances, and that perpetrators of violence should receive stricter penalties if animals have been abused or killed as part of a broader pattern of violence.
Safe homes
Crisis centers are not equipped to accommodate people with animals, and many victims of violence therefore choose to stay at home with their pets. To help these individuals escape, Animal Protection Norway assists the vulnerable animals. We offer a safe home while the owner receives help from public services.
