Health, Wellness and Fitness for People & Pets JUNE 2015 | Page 50

Domestic Violence/Animal Abuse Links Explored in Puerto Rico

Relatively few research studies have explored the domestic violence/animal abuse Link in a Latino
context. One recent project was conducted as a master’s thesis in Latin & Caribbean Studies at Indiana
University in 2013 by Nancy Vázquez-Soto. She presented extensive case studies and an overview of
domestic violence and of attitudes toward women and animals in Puerto Rico and how a disregard for
animal welfare can endanger women who are trying to escape abusive situations.
“The Connection Between Domestic Violence and Animal Cruelty in Puerto Rico: An Anthropological
Study” included a survey of women in Puerto Rican domestic violence shelters. 77% of respondents
reported they currently had pets; 80% had had pets as children. 28.5% said their partners had hurt or
threatened their animals.
The study also interviewed counselors in women’s shelters. 35% reported they had heard of the
domestic violence/animal abuse link previously. 51% of counselors said that women’s talking about their
animals provided them with useful insights. None of the shelters included questions about animals on
intake forms.
The author recommended new protocols for Puerto Rico’s shelters to make allowances for or find safe
housing for companion animals; better enforcement of animal protection laws; better data collection;
increased community education and training for police on the Link; and additional studies on the child
abuse/animal abuse Link.

Wales Defines Animal Abuse as Aspect of Domestic Violence
The National Assembly for Wales in the United Kingdom has passed the
Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Bill. The
measure, strongly supported by the RSPCA Cymru working closely with
the Welsh Government and Assembly Members during its legislative
journey, sought acknowledgement and action for issues related to pets
in abusive situations.

Claire Lawson of the RSPCA tells the LINK-Letter that the Welsh government subsequently included a
specific reference to pets in documentation linked to the bill. This provision extends the definition of
abuse: violence perpetrated against victim’s pets could potentially constitute abuse against the victim
herself.
The bill achieved Royal Assent and became an Act on April 29. “It will be unique in the UK, not least of all
because of the recognition within the guidance regarding the part pets play,” says Lawson.
In the United States, seven states include acts of violence against animals that are intended to
intimidate or control an intimate partner within the definition of domestic violence: Arizona, Colorado,
Indiana, Maine, Nebraska, Nevada, and Tennessee.

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