People of Diverse Genders and/ or Sexualities Caring for and Protecting Animal Companions in the Context of Domestic Violence

Taylor, Nik; Riggs, Damien; Donovan, Catherine; Signal, Tania; Fraser, Heather

Abstract

This article reports on a thematic analysis of open-ended questions about how humans respond to violence directed toward animals in the context of violent human relationships, derived from an Australian–U.K. survey of people of diverse genders and/or sexualities. From the 137 responses, three major themes were identified: (a) animals are an important source of support, (b) humans actively protect animal companions, and (c) witnessing animal abuse can trigger leaving violent relationships. The findings offer unique insights for practitioners into the help-seeking needs of people of diverse genders and/or sexualities who live with animal companions in the context of domestic violence.

Citation

Taylor, N., Riggs, D., Donovan, C., Signal, T., & Fraser, H. (2019). People of Diverse Genders and/ or Sexualities Caring for and Protecting Animal Companions in the Context of Domestic Violence. Violence Against Women, 25(9), 1096-1115. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077801218809942

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Nov 13, 2018
• Publication Date: 2019
• Deposit Date: Oct 8, 2018
• Journal: Violence Against Women
• Print ISSN: 1077-8012
• Electronic ISSN: 1552-8448
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 25
• Issue: 9
• Pages: 1096-1115
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1077801218809942
• Related Public URLs: http://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/9619/