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Paterson R, Boller E, Kim Y, Hammond K, Diemer K. What can veterinary professionals do? Measuring the effect of one domestic violence training pilot program on veterinary professionals' capacity to recognize, respond, and refer human victims of domestic violence. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1254373. [PMID: 38414653 PMCID: PMC10896970 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1254373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Veterinary professionals have a key role in facilitating multi-agency collaboration to prevent and respond to domestic violence (DV) in situations where animals may be directly or indirectly involved. Yet despite their position as potential touchpoints for victim-survivors with animals, many veterinary professionals do not feel equipped to act on suspicions or disclosures of DV. In response to this identified need, one service operating in Melbourne, Australia, developed the Vet-3R's training program (Recognize-Respond-Refer) which was piloted on 65 veterinary professionals in Melbourne's Eastern Metropolitan Region. Methods This is an exploratory study aimed at measuring the effect of the Vets 3-R's program on veterinary professionals' confidence and capacity to recognize, respond and refer victims of DV. Participants were invited to complete online surveys before and after the training to evaluate their understanding of DV and their capacity to support suspected victim-survivors with animals who present at their service. Results The pre-training self-evaluation scores indicated that while most veterinary professionals are aware of the link between animal abuse and DV, they lack the confidence to respond and refer individuals when confronted with suspicions or disclosures of abuse. However, upon completion of the Vets 3-R's program, participants reported marked improvements in their ability to recognize, respond, and refer victim-survivors. The most significant improvement could be seen in participants' self-reported ability to respond appropriately to suspicions of DV. Discussion While results are indicative only due to the small sample size, this study suggests that veterinary professionals may be an underutilized intervention point for DV victim-survivors with animals. The Vet-3R's training program can be a useful tool for increasing effectiveness of this intervention point to safely assist DV victim-survivors. More research on similar programs with a larger cohort of participants would be beneficial to measure the impact of such programs on a wider scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rochelle Paterson
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Elise Boller
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Youna Kim
- Eastern Domestic Violence Service (EDVOS), Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate Hammond
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kristin Diemer
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Marchetti C, Mastrogiuseppe L, Vanin S, Cecchi R, Gherardi M. On-Site Inspection Form in Veterinary Cases: The Parma Veterinary Form. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2064. [PMID: 37443862 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The on-site inspection of the scene of an animal cadaver is crucial for a correct interpretation of the autopsy results, to determine the manner, method, and cause of death. This information plays a crucial role in the control of public health including the prevention of zoonoses. It is also fundamental for the recognition and the contrast of crimes against animals and to animal abuse phenomena, considered an alert sign of an anti-social or violent behavior of humans. Today the best veterinary procedure requires an accurate collection of the evidence at the scene that can be then handed to experts belonging to other forensic disciplines for further evaluation and data interpretation. In this paper authors suggest a form aiming to facilitate either the on-site and the autopsy activities, as a guarantee of the quality of the forensic process starting from the discovery scene up to the reconstruction of the case. Essential is training of non-medical personnel who often represent the first responder to be present on the scene. The form is inspired by the interdisciplinary form developed by the European Council of Legal Medicine and represents an initial tool to stimulate a multidisciplinary activity in close synergy with other forensic experts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luigi Mastrogiuseppe
- Department of Prevention, Unit of Veterinary, Regional Health Unit of Molise, ASREM, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Stefano Vanin
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- National Research Council, Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), 16149 Genova, Italy
| | - Rossana Cecchi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Forensic Pathology, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Mirella Gherardi
- Department of Prevention of the Local Health Authority, SC Medicina Legale AUSL Valle D'Aosta, 11100 Aosta, Italy
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Turgoose D, McKie RE, Connelly P. Insurance Discrimination, Companion Animal Harm, and Domestic Violence and Abuse - Double Jeopardy in the UK. Violence Against Women 2023:10778012231176201. [PMID: 37229764 DOI: 10.1177/10778012231176201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Prompted by Signal et al.'s study, this research examines UK "Pet Insurance" policies to see if and how experiencing domestic violence and abuse (DVA) in interspecies households is excluded under insurance policies terms. Situating our findings within the existing literature on human and companion animal victims of DVA, we discuss the implications for improving cross-reporting and multi-agency action to protect and prevent harm to humans and companion animal victims of DVA. In turn we identify a series of recommendations to combat discrimination in insurance, set out in our conclusion.
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Scheer JR, Lawlace M, Cascalheira CJ, Newcomb ME, Whitton SW. Help-Seeking for Severe Intimate Partner Violence Among Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents and Young Adults Assigned Female at birth: A Latent Class Analysis. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:6723-6750. [PMID: 36472356 PMCID: PMC10050117 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221137711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Sexual and gender minority adolescents and young adults assigned female at birth (SGM-AFAB) report high rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization. Despite adverse health outcomes of IPV, many survivors, particularly SGM-AFAB, do not seek help. This study (1) examined the proportion of SGM-AFAB who reported severe IPV victimization who sought help; (2) elucidated patterns of help-seeking facilitators and barriers; and (3) identified associations between sociodemographic characteristics, IPV victimization types, and minority stressors and latent classes of help-seeking facilitators and barriers. Participants included 193 SGM-AFAB (Mage = 20.6, SD = 3.4; 65.8% non-monosexual; 73.1% cisgender; 72.5% racial/ethnic minority; 16.6% annual household income $20,000 or less). Most participants who experienced severe IPV did not seek help (62.2%). Having a person or provider who was aware of the participant's abusive relationship was the most common reason for seeking help (50; 68.5%). Minimizing IPV was the most common reason for not seeking help (103; 87.3%). Fewer than 5% of SGM-AFAB who experienced severe IPV and who did not seek help reported SGM-specific help-seeking barriers, including not wanting to contribute to negative perceptions of the LGBTQ community, not disclosing their SGM status, and perceiving a lack of tailored services. Help-seeking facilitators and barriers varied by sociodemographic characteristics. Three classes of help-seeking facilitators and two classes of help-seeking barriers emerged. SGM-AFAB subgroups based on sexual and gender identity, recent coercive control, and identity as IPV victims differed in latent classes. This study's findings confirm SGM-AFAB IPV survivors' low likelihood of seeking help. Our results also underscore the importance of continuing to bolster SGM-AFAB survivors' access to trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and affirming support. Further, multilevel prevention and intervention efforts are needed to reduce minimization of abuse and anticipatory judgment and blame among SGM-AFAB who hold multiple marginalized identities, experience coercive control, and identify as IPV victims.
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Mota-Rojas D, Monsalve S, Lezama-García K, Mora-Medina P, Domínguez-Oliva A, Ramírez-Necoechea R, Garcia RDCM. Animal Abuse as an Indicator of Domestic Violence: One Health, One Welfare Approach. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12080977. [PMID: 35454224 PMCID: PMC9024712 DOI: 10.3390/ani12080977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
For years now, the importance of animal cruelty has been gaining recognition in the industrialized cities of the West. Animal cruelty encompasses any act that causes a non-human animal unnecessary pain or suffering, including negligence, abandonment, abuse, torture, bestiality, and even theriocide. This represents a red flag for society as a whole because people who commit such acts can escalate violence and direct it to other individuals. Animal cruelty and interpersonal violence—as well as other socially undesirable conduct such as bullying, antisocial personality disorder, rape, and serial murder—are closely related, so timely diagnoses of either one can help prevent acts of aggression. It is necessary, therefore, to analyze and try to understand whether there are early indicators that may help identify potentially violent individuals. It is well known that kids from homes with actual violence in their homes show a high tendency to reproduce such behaviors with both animals and other people. In conclusion, much research and rethinking of the importance of the veterinarian in detecting animal abuse and cruelty is needed to help detect and prevent cases of interpersonal violence that may arise over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology of Pain, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (K.L.-G.); (A.D.-O.); (R.R.-N.)
- Correspondence: (D.M.-R.); (R.d.C.M.G.)
| | - Stefany Monsalve
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Programa de Especialización en Bienestar Animal y Etología, Fundación Universitaria Agraria de Colombia, Calle 170 No 54 A 10, Bogotá 111321, Colombia;
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Fundación Universitaria San Martín, Carrera 18 No 80 45, Bogotá 110221, Colombia
| | - Karina Lezama-García
- Neurophysiology of Pain, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (K.L.-G.); (A.D.-O.); (R.R.-N.)
| | - Patricia Mora-Medina
- Animal Welfare and Behavior Center, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 54714, Mexico;
| | - Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Neurophysiology of Pain, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (K.L.-G.); (A.D.-O.); (R.R.-N.)
| | - Ramiro Ramírez-Necoechea
- Neurophysiology of Pain, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (K.L.-G.); (A.D.-O.); (R.R.-N.)
| | - Rita de Cassia Maria Garcia
- Veterinary Medicine of the Collective and Veterinary Social Work, Legal Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 80060-000, Brazil
- Correspondence: (D.M.-R.); (R.d.C.M.G.)
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The Intertwined Well-Being of Children and Non-Human Animals: An Analysis of Animal Control Reports Involving Children. SOCIAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/socsci11020046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The well-being of children and non-human animals (subsequently referred to as animals) is often intertwined. Communities are unlikely to be able to best protect humans from abuse and harm unless they are working to ensure the safety of animals who reside there as well. This study is the first to utilize U.S. animal control report data and narratives to explore how children are involved in cases of animal cruelty. Children engage in abusive acts toward animals, alone, or along with peers and/or adults. Children were found to inflict abuse most often with their hands or feet as opposed to with a weapon or other object. A total of 85% of animal cruelty perpetrated by children was toward a dog or cat. Key differences between how children are involved in acts of cruelty to companion animals compared with acts involving wild animals are described and warrant further study. The cases of animal abuse or neglect reported by children were among the most severe in the study, and often involved an adult perpetrator known to the child. Neighbors rarely report child abuse or intimate partner violence in the United States, but 89% of the animal cruelty cases involving children in this study were reported by a neighbor or passerby. Although children involved in reports as a perpetrator or reporter were most often in early adolescence, children involved in cross-reports between child welfare and animal control were often under the age of 5. Improved cross-reporting and stronger partnerships between human and animal welfare agencies may provide opportunity for earlier intervention and is likely to better many human and animal lives.
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Fraser H, Taylor N, Riggs DW. Animals in Disaster Social Work: An Intersectional Green Perspective Inclusive of Species. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WORK 2021; 51:1739-1758. [PMID: 34393654 PMCID: PMC8344481 DOI: 10.1093/bjsw/bcab143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Disasters do not just affect humans. And humans do not only live with, care for or interact with other humans. In this conceptual article, we explain how animals are relevant to green and disaster social work. Power, oppression and politics are our themes. We start the discussion by defining disasters and providing examples of how three categories of animals are affected by disasters, including in the current COVID-19 pandemic. They are: companion animals (pets), farmed animals (livestock) and free-living animals (wildlife), all of whom we classify as oppressed populations. Intersectional feminist, de-colonising and green social work ideas are discussed in relation to disaster social work. We argue that social work needs to include nonhuman animals in its consideration of person-in-environment, and offer an expanded version of feminist intersectionality inclusive of species as a way forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Fraser
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Nik Taylor
- College of Arts (Human Services), Nik Taylor University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand
| | - Damien W Riggs
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
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Culjat‐Vukman E. What should you do when you suspect a client is a victim of spousal abuse? IN PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/inpr.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Ladny RT, Meyer L. Traumatized Witnesses: Review of Childhood Exposure to Animal Cruelty. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2020; 13:527-537. [PMID: 33269051 PMCID: PMC7683760 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-019-00277-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Roshni Trehan Ladny
- Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, The University of Tampa, Tampa, FL 33606-1490 USA
| | - Laura Meyer
- Graduate School of Professional Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO USA
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Fuller KA, Riggs DW. Intimate relationship strengths and challenges amongst a sample of transgender people living in the United States. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2019.1679765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Damien W. Riggs
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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