Violence amongst family members impacts both two- and four-legged animals
Research shows that violence towards animals can be both a component and a symptom of child, spousal and elder abuse. This means that veterinarians are increasingly being called upon to be responsive to suspected animal abuse as a sentinel indicator of violence against human and non-human family members. This elevates the veterinary team’s role in One Health and public health responses to family and community violence.
Sadly, the incidence of domestic violence has only grown during the pandemic so the OHC is particularly excited to welcome Dr Melinda Merck as an affiliate member to lead our mission to increase recognition of domestic violence as a One Health Issue.
Dr Merck, former Co-chair of the WSAVA’s Animal Wellness and Welfare Committee and a Past President of the NAVC, is a forensic veterinarian consulting on legal cases involving animals. She is a global expert in this area. She says:
Dr Melinda Merck
Studies show that 88% of pets in homes where there is domestic violence have been threatened, injured or killed. Data also show that most veterinarians will encounter incidences of animal abuse at some point in their careers. The question is how should they respond to these very challenging situations? I’m looking forward to working with the OHC to address this issue and to raise awareness of role of the wider veterinary community in the development and implementation of response programs for pets of domestic violence.
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Dr Merck presented a webinar on ‘Pets & Domestic Violence – Is your team prepared?’ on June 23, 2021.
You can watch it here >>
The WSAVA OHC and the Animal Wellness and Welfare Committees will partner again on this topic at Lima in 2022 with a pre-Congress Day workshop. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information!
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