Foregrounding Companion Animals’ Experiences of Domestic Violence

Abstract

As we explained in the earlier chapters of this book, we are equally concerned about animal and human victims/survivors of domestic violence. This means that just as we pay attention to the impact of domestic violence on humans, we also have to pay attention to its impact on companion animals. In earlier chapters we explored links between how both humans and animals could be dominated in violent relationships, as well as considering how important the bond is between some humans and animals who share the experience of violence. Similarly, as we consider how humans embark on their recovery after leaving domestic violence with their animal companions, so too we need to address the animals’ recovery. This chapter starts with a consideration of the impact of domestic violence on animals’ physical and mental health and well-being. We then further develop our argument that both human and animal victims/survivors of domestic violence need to be recognised and that this involves reconceptualising domestic violence to acknowledge animals’ standpoints. We conclude with a discussion about how animal victims of domestic violence can be helped.