Domestic violence and animals

Here's an interesting article I read awhile back. It absolutely makes sense that there is a correlation about domestic violence, companion animals and homelessness. According to the acting director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness. Most homeless shelters don't allow pets and many people in violent situations would rather live on the streets than give up their animals. Sometimes, the abused person will remain in their home because they are afraid for the animal's safety if they leave. It is not uncommon for abusers to take it out on the animals as a way to psychologically attack their human victims.
The good news is that many states are working to enact or improve legislation that protects our animal friends that are caught in domestic violence situations. Also some shelters will temporarily house the victim's pets until other arrangements can be made. Check out www.in.gov for more info on laws in our state. For more info check out www.petsofhomeless.com or www.nationalhomeless.org

Please don't be afraid to leave an abusive situation because of your pets. A social worker can give you some guidance to find a homeless shelter for you and your pets or they can help you find a temporary home for them while you escape the abuse. I hope that no one on this site needs this info right now but maybe you know someone who could benefit from it. I know that I would rather be abused myself than to leave my pets to suffer. Thankfully, I've never had to choose.