APNM-NMCADV Partnership

Transcription

1 The Link: Are Animals Part of the Picture? Working Together to Support the Whole Family Making a Difference Through C.A.R.E. apnm.org/care nmcadv.org CSVANW Training April 2015 APNM-NMCADV Partnership 2014 NM Senator Nancy Rodriquez sponsored Senate Bill to expand the capacity of the CARE program United efforts to increase safety and support for Domestic Violence survivors and their companion animals 2015 Senator Rodriguez sponsored Senate Bill (SB178) to continue expanding the efforts of APNM & NMCADV to raise awareness and increase availability of services for Domestic Violence survivors and their companion animals. 1

2 Why animals matter At least 68% of U.S. Households have companion animals 83.3 million dogs 95.6 million cats 20.6 million birds 8.3 million horses and various other animals American Pet Products Assn. Animals in our Culture, Family Traditions, totems Dog Noble, faithful, loyal, teaching, protection, guidance Cat Guardianship, detachment, sensuality, mystery, magic, independence Horse Freedom, stamina, mobility, the land, travel, power Community Activities, Concerns 2

3 The Greatness of a Nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. - Mahatma Gandhi ALL living beings deserve respect, empathy and compassion There is ever-growing societal concern about violence in America. The connections between animal abuse and domestic violence, child abuse, and other violence crimes are well-documented. Unless animal abuse, neglect and cruelty are taken seriously, we are missing opportunities to intervene and disrupt the cycle of violence that includes people as well as animals. 3

4 Animals as Part of the Family For you?? For survivors? Companion Animals and their role in the Family SYSTEMS THEORY 80% consider their companion animals part of the family POSITIVE Animals Parents Children 4

5 The Link NEGATIVE Animals and Family Violence Animal Companions are often an important source of comfort and emotional support to abused adults as well as abused children. For a child in an abusive home, her dog or cat may be the only being she can talk to. Considered members of family makes them vulnerable targets for anger and violence in the home. 5

6 Definition of Animal Abuse Socially unacceptable non-accidental behavior that causes unnecessary pain, suffering, distress, or death Parallels definitions for child abuse and neglect related to physical, sexual, neglect, and emotional abuse (Ascione, 2000) Types of Animal Abuse Neglect no satisfaction, failure to act Abuse satisfaction from dominance Sadistic satisfaction from suffering Hoarding satisfaction from care-giving Sexual abuse: crush videos; bestiality Sub-cultural abuse: dog-fighting & cock fighting 6

7 Power and Control Wheel Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence In 72% of homes, women are the primary caretaker of pets. (AVMA) 54% to 71% of battered women seeking shelter reported that their companion animals were threatened, injured or killed by the abuser. (Ascione) Batterers who also abuse pets use more dangerous forms of violence and demonstrate more controlling behaviors than those who do not abuse pets. (Simmons & Lehmann) Up to 64% of domestic violence victims delay leaving or reporting their abusers due to concern for the safety and welfare of their animals. Batterers often use animals as emotional pawns to coerce or silence victims. Most Domestic Violence Shelters cannot accommodate animals. 7

8 Animal Abuse and Child Abuse Of 53 families with child abuse or neglect 60% had animal abuse Of those with child physical abuse, 88% had animal abuse 1/3 of the animal abuse was perpetrated by children (Lockwood et al.) In the News Dog owners jailed in fatal Easter mauling By Ashley Meeks 10/19/ :55:34 AM MDT LAS CRUCES - The couple whose pit bulls fatally mauled a Truth or Consequences woman on Easter were jailed Tuesday after two Child Protective Services employees came forward with information about the dogs' aggressive temperament. Animal cruelty is often an early indicator of interpersonal violence 12/13/2013 by Dr. Wayne Barber, board-certified psychiatrist After working more than 40 years as a psychiatrist, one would think I am immune to surprise and alarm, but three recent instances of appalling animal abuse in our community impels me to alert the public of the potential consequences of these actions and, equally important, of our inaction toward such behaviors. 8

9 When animals are at risk People are at risk. A lack of connection and empathy with animals can be indicator of violent behavior. Abused children abuse animals In one study, 4.7% of normal children acknowledged animal abuse, compared to 13% who were sexually abused perpetrated on animals 24.5% who were physically abused went on to abuse animals 34% who were both physically and sexually abused and then abused animals 26% to 32% of children in abusive families were cruel to animals. (Henry) Children who are frequently physically punished are more likely to abuse animals. (Phillips) 9

10 Witnessing cruelty as a child 62 to 76% of animal cruelty in the home occurs in front of children. (Faver & Strand) Children who witness violence are at greater risk of becoming abusers or victims. Those who witnessed animal cruelty were 8 times more likely to be perpetrators. Witnessing animal cruelty was the largest predictor of future violent behavior. When witnessing animal cruelty interacts with child maltreatment or exposure to domestic violence, the risk of animal cruelty increases. (DeGue & DiLillo) 10

11 What the Research Tells Us One possible predictor of violent behavior in adults is childhood abuse of animals. A significant association between acts of cruelty to animals in childhood and serious, recurrent aggression against people as an adult; most aggressive criminals committed more severe acts of animal cruelty (Alan Felthous and Stephen Kellert) 48% of individuals incarcerated for sexual homicide abused animals as children; 46% of convicted rapists abused animals as children (Frank Ascione) The most dangerous thing that can happen to a child is to kill or torture an animal and get away with it. - Anthropologist Margaret Mead Caveats to the Link Ex. correlation vs. causation, indicator vs. predictor 11

12 Recognizing the significance of animal abuse, the Cycle of Violence Where animals are maltreated, children and other family members are at risk as well. States are changing laws to address animal abuse. FBI upgraded animal cruelty to a top-tier felony and will be collecting data on animal cruelty crimes to learn more about The Link. Several states have passed laws to mandate the cross-reporting of animal and/or child abuse between animal health care providers, animal welfare agencies, child health care providers, and child protection agencies. Strategies for prevention are emerging. Local task forces & more interagency cooperation for extreme cases. Cross Assisting Screening Questions: During Crisis Calls During Safety Planning During Intakes Adding companion animals to domestic violence protective orders Know your local Animal Control Officer 12

13 Asking About A Child s Relationship with Animals 1. Have you or your family ever had pets? Go through various pets, how many? 2. What happened to them? What did you think or feel about that? 3. Do you have a pet or pets now? How many? 4. Did you ever have a favorite or special pet? 5. Has a pet ever been a source of comfort or support to you? 6. Has your pet ever been hurt? 7. Have you ever felt afraid or worried about bad things happening to your pet? 8. Have you ever lost a pet you really cared about? (given away, ran away, died) 9. Have you ever seen someone hurt an animal or pet? 10. Have you ever hurt an animal or pet? 11. Have you ever been frightened really scared by an animal or pet? 12. What happens when your pet or companion animal misbehaves? 14. Have you ever been punished for something your pet did? Has your pet ever been punished for something you did? (Animal-Related Experiences Inventory by Barbara Boat, Ph.D.) Creating a safety plan to include companion animals Where to go What to have ready What to do Who to call > RESOURCES When you are at risk Your animals are at risk. 13

14 New Mexico Animal Cruelty Statute DEFINITIONS Cruelty to Animals through 15 NMSA 1978 Negligently mistreating, injuring, killing without lawful justification* Tormenting an animal Abandoning or failing to provide necessary sustenance > misdemeanor; upon 4th conviction = 4th degree felony *Justifiable responses Humanely destroying a sick or injured animal Protecting a person or animal from death or injury from an attack by another animal New Mexico Animal Cruelty Statute Extreme Cruelty => 4th degree felony intentionally or maliciously torturing, mutilating, injuring or poisoning an animal maliciously killing an animal Local, Tribal & County Ordinances may be stronger or more specific Full texts of statutes & ordinances are available at 14

15 Dangerous Dog Statute A-1 through 6 NMSA 1978 Possible seizure of and special license required if there is probable cause that a dog is dangerous or potentially dangerous and poses a threat to public safety. If within 14 days the court finds the dog to be dangerous: It must be registered, and owner must meet handling and confinement requirements to keep the dog. Owner may relinquish the dog to animal control authorities who may humanely euthanize the dog. Assessment and Treatment for Abusers At least 28 states recommend or mandate judges to require counseling for persons convicted of animal cruelty. (HSUS) NEW MEXICO LAW: Juveniles If a child is adjudicated of cruelty to animals, the court shall order an assessment and any necessary psychological counseling or treatment of the child. NEW MEXICO LAW: Adults The court may order a person convicted for committing cruelty to animals to participate in an animal cruelty prevention program or an animal cruelty education program. The court may also order a person convicted for committing cruelty to animals or extreme cruelty to animals to obtain psychological counseling for treatment of a mental health disorder if, in the court's judgment, the mental health disorder contributed to the commission of the criminal offense. The offender shall bear the expense of participating in an animal cruelty prevention program, animal cruelty education program or psychological counseling ordered by the court. Trained ANICARE Therapists: Specialized assessment and treatment for Animal Abusers 15

16 Federal Legislation Pet and Women s Safety Act of 2015 (H.R.1258; S 1559) Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit threats or acts of violence against a person's pet under the offenses of stalking and interstate violation of a protection order. Defines "pet" to mean a domesticated animal that is kept for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes. Requires the "full amount of the victim's losses" for purposes of restitution in domestic violence and stalking offenses including any costs incurred for veterinary services. Directs the Department of Agriculture to award grants to provide specified housing assistance, support services, and training of relevant stakeholders to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking and their pets. Encourages states to include violent or threatening acts against the pet of the protected person in domestic violence protection orders. * Companion Animal Rescue Effort CARE HOTLINE CARE (2273) Confidential emergency housing and daily care for the animals of domestic violence victims Statewide CARE Network of Safe Haven Providers including animal shelters, veterinary clinics, boarding facilities, animal welfare agencies and organizations, and individual foster homes and volunteers 16

17 How CARE Works CARE Hotline A resource for survivors and advocates CARE (2273) Referrals and/or direct services Connect with advocate or shelter if needed Client Agreement & Animal Intake Form Coordination of services: Safe drop-off/pick up of animal(s) Veterinary exam & vaccinations provided Confidential CARE Network provides safe housing & daily care, updates on animals, photos when possible Shared goal: reuniting with client in new home CARE Program Policies, procedures and forms Confidentiality & Safety of all parties Service Provider Application & Agreements Sometimes visitation isn t possible, but all are safe Spay/neuter provided for animals before release Always on a case-by-case basis Referrals other options Protective Custody at some local animal shelters RedRover Safe Escape Grant boarding, hotel Rescue groups for adoption if needed Community Outreach Expanding response capacity 17

18 Animal Protection of New Mexico Advocating for the Humane Treatment of All Animals Since (505) NM Animal Resources Guide - Statewide database of Animal Control and Animal Welfare agencies, organizations, rescue groups, and Therapy Dog resources Statewide ANIMAL CRUELTY HOTLINE HUMANE Equine Protection Fund - Emergency feed assistance, free gelding services and more Humane Education, Training & Community Outreach CARRY YOUR POCKET RESOURCE GUIDE If you observe or suspect animal abuse, contact your local Animal Control Officer immediately. NEW MEXICO COALITION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Established in 1979, to lead a coordinated and effective response to domestic violence throughout the state. (505) Forging partnerships with local, regional and state agencies and advocates to strengthen our impact and expand our capacity to deliver services statewide Providing Technical Assistance and Trainings Policy and Legislative Initiatives National Domestic Violence Hotline SAFE(7233) or TTY

19 Additional Resources Domestic Violence Grants & Resources FOR SHELTERS: Safe Housing (for Animals) Grants up to $6000 * * GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE MAY 15 & OCT 15, 2015 * * FOR CLIENTS: Safe Escape Grants for emergency housing & vet care Sheltering Animals & Families Together (SAF-T) Information, Start-Up Manual FOR SHELTERS on how to house families together with their companion animals. National Link Coalition Animals and Society Institute (NM: Tamara H. Ward, LBSW tamhward@aol.com) See Hand-outs for more books, articles and other references on The Link Additional Resources Native America Humane Society Animal Control Program Development Guide - Indian Health Services Publication The Link and Tribal Communities Research & Publication - Partnership with Allie Phillips, Esq. (SAF-T & National DA s Association) Diana Webster, Esq. (White Earth Band of Ojibwe) President/CEO diana@nativeamericahumane.org

20 In Conclusion Animal abuse affects families and communities. More eyes and ears in the field Identifying animal abuse early can help: create opportunities for intervention identify other at-risk populations prevent future abuse strengthen the case against a perpetrator Understanding The Link creates common ground for meaningful collaboration between legislators, the judicial system, law enforcement, animal welfare, victim advocacy and social service agencies. Availability of services for companion animals can help create safer families and communities. Contact Information Sharon Jonas CARE Program Manager Animal Protection of New Mexico PO Box 11395, Albuquerque, NM sharon@apnm.org CARE Hotline: (844) 323-CARE (2273) Phone: ext. 23 Fax: (505) Shana Aldahl, LMSW Project Coordinator -Children's Capacity Building Project -Animal Protection Project shana@nmcadv.org Phone: Office (505) Cell: (505) New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence 1210 Luisa Street, Suite 7, Santa Fe, NM [mailing] 1000 Cordova Place #52, Santa Fe, NM Fax: (505)