Pet-Inclusive Safety Planning for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Pets are often used as tools to maintain power and control in abusive relationships and can create specific barriers between the survivor and safety. This presentation will give an overview of the special bond survivors share with their pets, the unique challenges survivors with pets face while leaving an abusive relationship, and safety planning tips for those working with survivors of domestic violence and their pets. This presentation is interactive and will provide activities for those attending to practice their newly learned safety planning skills. After this presentation, those working with survivor

s of domestic violence will have tools to help keep the survivor and their pet safe while either leaving or staying in the relationship.

Participants will learn:

• How the Human-Animal Bond uniquely applies to survivors of domestic violence and their pets.

• The specific challenges survivors face when leaving abusive relationships while keeping their pets.

• How to safety plan with…