Proposed legislation would extend domestic violence protective orders to pets

[AZBlue]

HARTFORD, Conn. --Proposed state legislation would extend domestic violence restraining orders to protect pets in physically abusive relationships among couples.

Domestic violence counselors say the legislation is needed to stop abusers who often target family pets to terrorize spouses or partners.

"A lot of victims of domestic violence are in horrible positions because abusers will make threats against their pets and carry them out," said Lisa Holden, executive director of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

(snip)

Domestic violence crisis counselors look for a history of animal abuse when screening victims seeking protection. Experts generally see a direct connection between violence against animals and whether a person will act violently against spouses, partners and children.

Victims often stay in abusive relationships fearing what might happen to their pets, counselors say.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/connecticut/articles/2007/03/03/proposed_legislation_would_extend_protective_orders_to_pets/

My first cat came from an abusive home. She was a sweet, affectionate, loving little girl who was scared and jumpy her whole life thanks to the asshole she lived with for her first year of life. Over time she came out of her shell some and relaxed, but she was never "normal" and always apprehensive. I could strangle the jerk that did that to her.

[freeplessinseattle]

1. very cool. thank you. n/t

[FreeState]

2. Unfortunately this is much needed

Unfortunately this is much needed. I volunteered at a Domestic Violence shelter in college. Amazingly, or not, a sure sign that someone was going to be abusive was how they treated animals (from an early age on). Most abusers, I would say over 80% from my experience, started their rein of terror by abusing the family pet.

Special note to the wonderful women on this board, if you ever date a man that has ever abused an animal, run as fast as you can away from him, it may save your life.

[AZBlue]

3. .....

(Self-serving kick since GD was all screwy yesterday when I posted)