“They Gave Me a Reason to Live”: The Protective Effects of Companion Animals on the Suicidality of Abused Women

Abstract

Previous studies have documented the frequent coexistence of companion animal abuse and forms of family violence. The frequent coexistence of these forms of victimization is illustrative of the interconnectedness of forms of oppression and provides evidence in support of the claim that true social justice requires ending all forms of oppression—including the oppression of other animals. This paper moves beyond documenting the degree of coexistence between these forms of victimization and interrogating why they coexist—both goals of my initial study (Fitzgerald 2005)—to more fully examine the roles of “pets” in the lives of abused women. Using data from the larger project wherein 26 abused women were interviewed, this paper examines how “pets” can moderate the abuse experienced by the human victims of family violence. Illustrative of this moderating role played by “pets,” some participants report they stayed with their abusive partner longer than they otherwise would have because their “pets” “kept them going” by providing them with the social support necessary to cope with the abuse. The importance of the social support provided by “pets” is further evidenced by the finding detailed herein that some participants cite their “pets” as the reason they did not end their own lives. It is argued that “pets” are uniquely situated to provide social support to some abused women and can even serve a protective function against suicidality. Therefore, in order to adequately address the needs of abused women, particularly related to suicidality, the important roles “pets” can play in their lives must be taken seriously and, ideally, fostered.

Animals as Lifechangers and Lifesavers

“…This intersection of topics engages this research with several literatures. The analysis has an obvious affinity for the literature on human-animal interaction, and it adds a previously unarticulated role for animals to this body of work (Arluke 1987(Arluke , 2002(Arluke , 2003(Arluke , 2004(Arluke , 2006(Arluke , 2010Arluke and Sanders 1996;Fitzgerald 2007;Flynn 2000aFlynn , 2000bIrvine 2004aIrvine , 2004bJerolmack 2007aJerolmack , 2007bJerolmack , 2009Sanders 1990Sanders , 1991Sanders , 1993Sanders , 2003Sanders , 2007. It also adds to the literature on the construction of self-worth among the homeless and the marginal (Anderson and Snow 2001;Gowan 2010;Snow and Anderson 1993;Wasserman and Clair 2010).…”

Beyond Human to Humane: A Multispecies Analysis of Care Work, Its Repression, and Its Potential

“…This kind of interactive care work is especially important for seniors, marginalized or vulnerable people, and women who are confronting domestic violence, are homeless, or are precariously housed. Dogs in particular can provide life-sustaining emotional support and motivation, companionship, as well as literal protection (Fitzgerald, 2007;Irvine, 2013aIrvine, , 2013bLabrecque & Walsh, 2011;Lem, Coe, Haley, Stone, & O'Grady, 2013).…”

Animals in Social Work

“…We are so used to our research focus needing to be on pathology or social problems in order for it to be seen to be directly applicable to social work. For example, I do note that much of the academic literature pertaining to animals in social work focuses on mental health (Miltiades & Shearer, 2011), domestic abuse (Fitzgerald, 2007), or child protection (Girardi & Pozzuto, 2012). Of course these are laudable and necessary topics.…”

“…Numerous studies examine animal abuse in relation to family violence (for example, Becker & French, 2004;DeGue & DiLillo, 2009;Fitzgerald, 2007;Flynn, 2008) and abuse and neglect among older individuals Peak, Ascione, & Doney, 2012); several studies address inclusion of animal abuse in assessments of child welfare practice and collaboration with child and animal welfare agencies (for example, Girardi & Pozzulo, 2012;Risley-Curtiss, Zilney, & Hornung, 2010;.…”