AVMA and the American Academy of Pediatrics both


encourage their members to pay attention to the links between child abuse, domestic violence and harm done to family pets. For children, pets can serves as playmates and non-judging con- fidants. They can contribute to a child's development of self- esteem, feelings of empathy and connection to others. Unfortunately, in the web of fam- ily violence, pets are not immune. Their abuse can be used to manipulate and harm other fami- ly members. Research has revealed that multiple forms of family violence (partner violence, child or elder abuse) often co- occur.


Abuse of pets raises concern


for the children in these house- holds for several reasons. First, witnessing the abuse of a beloved pet is emotionally distressing for the child. Second, it also models a pattern of behavior that clearly is detrimental to healthy develop- ment. In addition, abusers’ unreal- istic expectations of pets may lead to abusive incidents such as beating a puppy for urinating on the floor. This is worrisome


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since unrealistic developmental expectations also are a common trigger for child abuse (e.g., shaking injuries in crying infants, abuse of toddlers associated with toilet-training accidents). The length of time children remain in these dangerous,


sometimes deadly environments may be prolonged by the pres- ence of pets. Concerns about the pets’ safety leads many victims to delay leaving their abusive homes. Abusers whose violence includes abuse of family pets have been shown to be more controlling and to employ more dangerous forms of violence.* CASA recently celebrated


CASA’s new 100-bed domestic-violence shelter includes a play- ground, made possible through the Tampa Bay Rays organization.


its 40th anniversary during their annual “A Good Night’s Sleep” luncheon. CASA is the official domestic violence center for southern Pinellas County. Forty years ago, CASA began as a simple eight-bed emergency shelter. By the late 1990s, it had grown into a 30-bed shelter with a 24-hour Crisis Hotline, Outreach Services and the Peacemaker Program.


Today, CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse) has a beautiful new 100-bed emergency shelter.


Continued.g


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