ABSTRACT
The association between intimate partner violence (IPV) and animal abuse (AA) is well documented. Understanding relationships between these forms of violence has important implications, both for family violence prevention/intervention efforts and for animal welfare. In this chapter, we describe how AA overlaps with IPV and with violence in families more broadly. Next, we review impacts of IPV survivors’ exposure to AA, how threats/harm to pets affect safety planning for people and animals, and the welfare of animals in these households. Following a review of practical and policy perspectives, we review ethical considerations surrounding intersections of AA and IPV. We conclude by exploring research/evaluation efforts that can advance knowledge of, and responses to, these intersecting forms of violence.
