"Safe at Home" not so safe for Victims of Domestic Violence

Incidents of domestic violence rise significantly during times of stress. Unemployment, substance abuse, fear, boredom, frustration and feelings of worthlessness often manifest themselves as anger against one’s family and/or self, specifically, as suicidal or homicidal acts.  Being cooped up indefinitely exacerbates the situation. Significant others, children, elder citizens, and pets can find themselves in dire straits during the Covid-19 pandemic. Add, home schooling, layoffs, past due bills, a surge in gun purchases, and general angst to the mix, and you have a perfect storm for violent and abusive behavior.

In the late nineties, spcaLA, (not a chapter or part of any other SPCA), developed the Animal Safety Net program (ASN) which offers shelter and care to the pets of domestic violence victims at no cost, so they may flee a dangerous situation without fear for the safety of their animals. This program has provided refuge to dogs, cat, rabbits, rats, horses and a fish. Sadly, the domestic violence shelters that we deal with are reporting to us that they are already full. 

Both, the New York Times and CNN  are writing about this issue in the context of the pandemic. It is also important to state that anyone, men, women, children, elders, and pets can be a victim of this rage.

Please take care of yourselves and each other.

I have included below a resource list provided by CNN:

National Domestic Violence Hotline Call 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522

Available 24/7. Can connect callers with local resources and immediate support. Also available through online chat tool.

National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673

Provided by RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). Available 24/7. Also available through online chat tool.

Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741

Available 24/7 for victims of abuse and any other type of crisis.

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-422-4453

Available 24/7 in 170 different languages.

Office on Women's Health Helpline 1-800-994-9662

A resource provided by the US Department of Health & Human Services.

Find a list of resources organized by state here, provided by the Department of Health & Human Services' Office on Women's Health.

More Than Footballs Fly During The Game

Courtesy google images

Many of you know that in the mid-90's spcaLA created and still operates Animal Safety Net™ (ASN), a domestic violence program designed to shelter pets while a battered victim can flee to an emergency shelter. All abusers use the pet as leverage to control and retain their victims, and many victims won't leave their pet behind. Frequently, the pets are also abused.

There are many excuses tendered by batterers as to why they are agitated and must strike out. Alcohol, unemployment, extreme heat, and all of the above are the common ones. But did you know that watching a football game is even more dangerous?

Every year, when preseason football begins, incidents of domestic violence spike exponentially and remain high through the super bowl. This year is no different. spcaLA just received 17 pets, it seems, right after the first coin toss! One cat came in with a fractured skull after having a chair thrown at him. (This, of course, will incur the charge of animal cruelty in addition to any other applicable charges.) This pattern has not abated for as long as I have been in a law enforcement career.

While there are reports of the correlation between the game itself and family violence, and some emulating of football players involved in domestic violence, there are no formal studies that prove this, just anecdotal evidence via the victims.

So-what can I say? Please be aware of this phenomena and if you see something - say something. The excuse that "I got excited during the game" must not now nor ever stand.

More Than Footballs Fly During The Game

Courtesy google images

Many of you know that in the mid-90's spcaLA created and still operates Animal Safety Net™ (ASN), a domestic violence program designed to shelter pets while a battered victim can flee to an emergency shelter. All abusers use the pet as leverage to control and retain their victims, and many victims won't leave their pet behind. Frequently, the pets are also abused.

There are many excuses tendered by batterers as to why they are agitated and must strike out. Alcohol, unemployment, extreme heat, and all of the above are the common ones. But did you know that watching a football game is even more dangerous?

Every year, when preseason football begins, incidents of domestic violence spike exponentially and remain high through the super bowl. This year is no different. spcaLA just received 17 pets, it seems, right after the first coin toss! One cat came in with a fractured skull after having a chair thrown at him. (This, of course, will incur the charge of animal cruelty in addition to any other applicable charges.) This pattern has not abated for as long as I have been in a law enforcement career.

While there are reports of the correlation between the game itself and family violence, and some emulating of football players involved in domestic violence, there are no formal studies that prove this, just anecdotal evidence via the victims.

So-what can I say? Please be aware of this phenomena and if you see something - say something. The excuse that "I got excited during the game" must not now nor ever stand.

Democrat's Cat Killed with "Liberal" Painted on Body

A cat belonging to Jake Burris, the campaign manager for Democrat Ken Aden, was found dead with his head bashed in and the word "Liberal" spray-painted on his side. Ken Aden is running against Republican Steve Womack for Arkansas' 3rd Congressional District. The cat was left on the family house doorstep and found by Burris and his 4 children upon their return home. The Womack campaign denounced this violent and brutal act, and, the local police are investigating the matter.

I wish I could say this is unusual but violent acts against animals as a method to send a message is quite common. spcaLA's domestic violence program, Animal Safety Net, began over a decade ago to deal with the use of a  pet, by the abuser, to control the behaviors of a victim.  We have seen pets harmed to assert gang turf or to perform an initiation rite. We have seen pets beaten to assert power and to intimidate others into compliance. Now, we see the torture of a pet as an expression of political partisanship.

Clearly, these acts are the works of cowards who choose to bully those who can't fight back rather than to deal with their own problems. Most assuredly these animal offenders are also capable of violence against people and must be prosecuted for these offenses to stop the escalation of violence. Sadly, this is not the last of it.

This cat was an innocent - neither democrat nor republican- not conservative or liberal, neither pro nor con, not for or against. Just a cat on a walk one Sunday in Arkansas.

A Segue Between Weekends of Violence and Peace

As we approach Martin Luther King Day shaken by the massacre  in Arizona, I ask that we, the spcaLA family,  remind ourselves of the work we are doing together to combat violence, and, to recommit to model compassionate behavior and perform an act of kindness towards a living being at least once a day.

Though we daily face unspeakable acts of cruelty against both animals and humans in our work at spcaLA – we take pride in the fact that we continually see progress through our efforts in education, enforcement, legislation and mentoring.  We instill empathy (the cure for violence) in at risk teens while also teaching them the art of civil discourse and peaceful conflict resolution. We provide a safety net for pets of victims of domestic violence who are willing to be physically battered rather than leave a pet behind. We criminally prosecute those who cannot be taught, and teach our youth so there will be no one to prosecute. We legislate where there are gaps and do our best to model best practices. We speak for the vulnerable and to those who would offend.

Our success depends upon advocacy to ensure the humane treatment and respect of all living beings through articulate rhetoric, peaceful methods and ethical means. You and I build consensus and affect change not by talking to those who agree with us – but to those who do not. Since 1877 we have been doing just that. Help us continue the conversation: volunteer, adopt, donate and educate those around you. 

  

"Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal."           Martin Luther King, Jr.

I Don't Want to Use the Word Poop so You Read This

It is once again that time of year when philanthropy and shopping occur at a fever pitch. Securing deductions for the end of the tax year and holiday shopping help charities fund their programs for the year to come. Outright donations, shopping at our marketplaces, or simply making a donation in someone's name all help your spcaLA. It is also important to research and donate wisely. Nothing upsets all of us more than hearing a person say "I gave to your national office" when, in fact, there is no such thing. Both the donor and your spcaLA feel sad as it is the animals in our community who rely on your gifts.

Your spcaLA created an at risk youth anti -violence program that is being used nationally in states like Oregon, Kansas, New York and Georgia, and internationally in Europe, Australia and Canada.  Piloted, and ongoing in Southern California schools, we work with youth, using shelter dogs, to teach them conflict resolution, anger management and empathy.  Empathy is the cure for violence against animals and people. This cure began here, with your spcaLA.

Your spcaLA has a domestic violence program that assists victims who need to leave a violent situation, but won’t if they have to leave a pet behind. We have assisted victims  from as far away as Florida because no other spca has such a comprehensive program. It began here, with your spcaLA.
 
Your spcaLA developed a comprehensive shelter management software program that is being used throughout the United States and Ireland.

Your spcaLA has a state of the art disaster response unit that responds locally to fires, floods and earthquakes as well as to out of state disasters as requested.  We were there during Hurricane Katrina and were one of only 8 first responders called upon to assist in Texas in the wake of Hurricane Ike.
 
Did you know that every SPCA in the country is a separate legal entity despite confusing commercials and advertising campaigns? The New York spca was the first to form in America in 1866 and so aptly named itself. Your spcaLA opened its doors in 1877. Throughout the country different spcas were allowed to form as the laws in each state so permitted. However, only one spca solicits donations away from all the others under the illusion that they are an umbrella entity that sends funds to non existent chapters.  (It is the same with any humane society not based in Los Angeles.)   Funds sent to such outfits are not mandated to support the animals in our community based upon the zip code of the donor as is the case with many disease charities. Though there are now complaints, inquiries and investigations into the ethics of such fund raising tactics – the responsibility ultimately lies with you, the consumer/donor, to know where you are donating your hard earned money despite attempts to confuse you. spcaLA applauds work that is carried out on behalf of animals anywhere in the country and hopes that you can afford to donate to multiple organizations. Your choice must still be an informed one. 
 
Your spcaLA actually has a local, national and international footprint with boots on the ground serving animals that need us.  In these trying economic times it is particularly critical that we work together, and educate others who are confused about where their funds are going so we succeed in our mission. 

So please, give if you can and shop early an often! Happy philanthropy season!   http://spcala.com/

Domestic Violence and the Animal Cruelty Link

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. It must also be understood that animals are intrinsically and intricately involved in this problem. Aside from being victims of violence themselves, pets are often used by the abuser to torment and control their victims.  Conversely the victims often cite the pets as an excuse not to leave a dangerous home. Both scenarios always end badly. Additionally, when children are involved and the pet is left behind - the children often think they will be abandoned next time.

Ancillary to this is the meteoric rise of incidents of elder abuse and the tragic outcomes involving seniors and their pets. Often, caring for a pet stimulates a confined senior citizen to be communicative and active. In other cases, the dependence of the pet on the senior strengthens the person's will to live. Threatening to harm the pet often "persuades" such a vulnerable person to accede to demands by their abuser that they ordinarily would not and certainly should not do. This is a vicious cycle of violence.

Incidents of domestic violence rise significantly during times of economic stress. Unemployment, substance abuse, fear, boredom, frustration and feelings of worthlessness often manifest themselves as anger against one’s family and/or self, specifically, as suicidal or homicidal acts.  As holiday season approaches these feelings become particularly acute as pressures mount to buy presents and to feel happy.

Over a decade ago, spcaLA (not a chapter or part of any other SPCA) developed the Animal Safety Net program (ASN) which offers shelter and care to the pets of domestic violence victims at no cost, so they may flee a dangerous situation without fear for the safety of their animals. http://spcala.com/resources/asn.php This program has provided refuge to dogs, cat, rabbits, rats, horses and a fish.    Additionally, ASN regularly helps victims of under reporting groups such as male victims of domestic violence, victims of same sex relationships, and members of certain cultural communities who use the existing cruelty towards, or fear of future cruelty to the pet  as 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. Indeed, spcaLA was instrumental in allowing pets to be added to restraining orders (only permitted in a few states) to further aid and secure our victims.

 It is up to all of us to be vigilant and mindful of those more vulnerable and of those who can’t speak for themselves. If you know of someone in trouble who is afraid to leave his/her pet behind – encourage them to get help and share this ASN hot-line number 323 733 0219 or 888 527 7722. You could be saving the life of the humans and the pets. 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.”  You could be saving the life of the humans and the pets.