A blog by spcaLA president, Madeline Bernstein

Nov 23, 2009

postscript to domestic violence blog - what about men?

A comment was made that men who are victims of domestic violence do not have the same help available as do women. spcaLA’s Animal Safety Net program regularly helps male victims of domestic violence, victims of same sex relationships, and victims of elder abuse. In fact, we have discovered that in traditional under reporting groups such as men, Asian women and parent victims – using the existing cruelty towards, or fear of future cruelty to the pet  often provides cover for getting help. In other words, those who would not report harm to themselves will report harm to their pets and seek to protect them. As a result – spcaLA’s program frequently aids these vulnerable but invisible victims.

As a society we have an obligation to treat a victim as such without regard to gender, race or lifestyle and ensure that all victims have access to Domestic Violence assistance programs. In each community we need to make sure that resources are fairly allocated to both traditional and nontraditional victims so that everyone is helped. Carl Rowan said “It is often easier to be outraged by injustice half a world away than by oppression and discrimination half a block from home.”  

We need to get our own houses in order ….

 

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