“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.