What Is Domestic Violence?
The United States Department of Justice defines domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship. It covers many forms such as, but not limited to:
Physical abuse, Sexual abuse, Emotional abuse, Economic abuse, Intimidation, Manipulation, Humiliation, Isolation, and Coercion.
Anyone can become a victim of domestic violence because it doesn’t discriminate by race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It does not care if you are married, living together, or simply dating.
The Impact of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence can have a lasting influence beyond the immediate victims of abuse and impact family members, coworkers, friends, and witnesses. Unfortunately, animals are may be affected by domestic violence.
When a person finds it difficult to deal with traumatic events, they often develop a sense of being alone and struggle with feelings of worry, fear, and helplessness. Trauma sufferers frequently have difficulty with relationships, emotional issues, and low self-esteem. Victims of emotional trauma may turn to drugs or alcohol to dull the feelings associated with the trauma and it isn’t uncommon for them to develop an addiction as they attempt to mask their issues.
What to do if YOU are a Victim of Domestic Violence
If you are a victim of domestic violence, it is important to seek help. Make sure to create a domestic violence safety plan and discuss it with those you trust. Remember, you have a right to be safe and you are not responsible for the violent behavior of someone else.
In a private, safe space, seek out the support of a friend, family member, neighbor, a co-worker, or anyone that you can rely on. You do not need to face abuse alone.
Why some don’t leave a Domestic Violence situation sooner
When a victim has a close connection with their animals it increases the chance the animal will be used as a form of control from their abuser. Threats of harm, to actual harm of the animal can be used to control the victim and keep them from leaving a situation sooner. It is estimated over 50% of women in domestic relationships refuse to leave sooner not only because they have no place to take them, but also because they fear for their animals life if they left.
Hearts of Horse Haven “Safe Haven” Program.
Many counties now offer safe havens for the victims animals. When you think of animals, you think of companion animals but many times, there are livestock involved. Yes, abusers will threaten to cause bodily harm or even death if a victim leaves to their horses. It is because of this Hearts of Horse Haven offers transport and safe housing to equine from these types of situations. We encourage owners to keep all their animals including equine updated on vaccines and to keep a file with all medical and ownership informational paperwork handy if needed.
Knox County, Tennessee stats.
The United States Department of Justice defines domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship. It covers many forms such as, but not limited to:
Physical abuse, Sexual abuse, Emotional abuse, Economic abuse, Intimidation, Manipulation, Humiliation, Isolation, and Coercion.
Anyone can become a victim of domestic violence because it doesn’t discriminate by race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It does not care if you are married, living together, or simply dating.
The Impact of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence can have a lasting influence beyond the immediate victims of abuse and impact family members, coworkers, friends, and witnesses. Unfortunately, animals are may be affected by domestic violence.
When a person finds it difficult to deal with traumatic events, they often develop a sense of being alone and struggle with feelings of worry, fear, and helplessness. Trauma sufferers frequently have difficulty with relationships, emotional issues, and low self-esteem. Victims of emotional trauma may turn to drugs or alcohol to dull the feelings associated with the trauma and it isn’t uncommon for them to develop an addiction as they attempt to mask their issues.
What to do if YOU are a Victim of Domestic Violence
If you are a victim of domestic violence, it is important to seek help. Make sure to create a domestic violence safety plan and discuss it with those you trust. Remember, you have a right to be safe and you are not responsible for the violent behavior of someone else.
In a private, safe space, seek out the support of a friend, family member, neighbor, a co-worker, or anyone that you can rely on. You do not need to face abuse alone.
Why some don’t leave a Domestic Violence situation sooner
When a victim has a close connection with their animals it increases the chance the animal will be used as a form of control from their abuser. Threats of harm, to actual harm of the animal can be used to control the victim and keep them from leaving a situation sooner. It is estimated over 50% of women in domestic relationships refuse to leave sooner not only because they have no place to take them, but also because they fear for their animals life if they left.
Hearts of Horse Haven “Safe Haven” Program.
Many counties now offer safe havens for the victims animals. When you think of animals, you think of companion animals but many times, there are livestock involved. Yes, abusers will threaten to cause bodily harm or even death if a victim leaves to their horses. It is because of this Hearts of Horse Haven offers transport and safe housing to equine from these types of situations. We encourage owners to keep all their animals including equine updated on vaccines and to keep a file with all medical and ownership informational paperwork handy if needed.
Knox County, Tennessee stats.
- 85% of all calls involve female victims.
- 1 out of 4 women will be abused
- 1 out of 10 men will be abused