This past Sunday, Seattle Animal Watch participated in the Domestic Violence Sunday service at the Magnolia United Church of Christ by preparing a display showing the link between animal cruelty and domestic violence (photo below.) We also included information from New Beginnings, a Seattle group that works directly with domestic violence victims, has a 24-hour hotline, and has recently started exploring the link between the two crimes as well.
Please read below for a description of the display and training opportunities from New Beginnings.
THE DISPLAY
The display had three panels, each with its own focus.
Help for victims and their animals. The first panel highlighted the resources that are available for domestic violence victims who must flee with their animals. We included a resources page to provide some guidance to seeking help. Important note: protection/no contact orders can include companion animals.
Animal cruelty and domestic violence are linked. The second panel highlighted some important statistics about domestic violence and animal cruelty. We used data from the National Link Coalition and included a handout from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. We also found Seattle-specific data collected by the Seattle City Attorney’s Office in 2021. Specifically:
56 percent of people charged with animal abuse in Seattle have prior domestic abuse charges
Approximately 97 percent of callers to the National Domestic Violence Hotline say keeping their animals is important. Fifty percent say they won't seek shelter without them.
More than 1/3 of those charged with injuring an animal in Seattle had a prior weapons charge.
What Can I Do? Be an Ally & SOAR. The third panel highlighted four ways to help human and animal victims which spelled out “SOAR.”
Support: Someone who listens without judgment is vital. Believe a victim’s story.
Offer Assistance. Can you foster the animal or help find other placement? Is there any research you can conduct for the victim?
Advocate for more resources. Both domestic violence and animal cruelty are crimes committed behind closed doors. Talk about the link.
Report. Victims may be more likely to discuss violence against their animals than against themselves.
FURTHER EDUCATION: NEW BEGINNINGS TRAINING OPPORTUNITY
We really appreciated the responsiveness and support from New Beginnings. New Beginnings empowers survivors and mobilizes community and action to end domestic violence. Please share their message below and consider attending these trainings.
Dear Community Partners,
New Beginnings is excited to host our next virtual 20 Hour Domestic Violence Advocacy Series in October- November 2023 over Zoom! Our training series helps build a foundational understanding of domestic violence and introduces advocacy skills that help support people experiencing relationship abuse.
We are splitting the training into two parts, each with their own Zoom registration link:
DV 101: Oct 14th, 2023 9-4pm (agenda attached)
Advocacy trainings: M/W Oct 16th- Nov 15th 5:30-7pm (list of topics attached)
Must have DV101 knowledge to join this series
Where?
Over zoom
Below are the training costs:
Free for volunteers
Suggested donation of $50-200 for community members
$200 for professionals
Payment is not required at registration, but will must be arranged before the training begins. We will reach out to you to provide payment/donation information.
Who should attend?
Anyone who wants to learn how to support survivors and create a healthier community. We tend to have attendees from social services, victim advocacy, and healthcare settings.
Do I have to attend every session?
You must have attended or received DV101 knowledge prior to attending the advocacy series. Reach out to New Beginnings if you’re not sure.
If you are intending to volunteer with our organization, yes.