Violence Towards Companion Animals and Perceived Social Support Among Female Intimate Partner Violence Survivors: The...

Violence towards companion animals (CAs) is prevalent in cases of intimate partner violence (IPV), and several studies have emphasized its impact on survivors' well-being and decision-making process. However, little is known about its effect on perceived social support among female IPV survivors. This study aims to address this gap. In this study, a sample of 70 female IPV survivors who owned a CA at the time of the abuse completed a protocol including the Portuguese version of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). Independent samples t-tests compared Nonsupport (NON) scale scores between survivors with and without reports of violence towards CAs, and linear regression examined the predictive effect of reported CA-directed violence, controlling for other relevant variables (e.g., unemployment, other PAI scales). Over half of the participants reported abuse directed at their CAs by their partners. Those who reported CAs abuse scored significantly higher on the NON scale, indicating a greater perceived lack of social support. The linear regression model was statistically significant, suggesting that reporting violence against CAs, higher Depression scale scores, lower Traumatic stress scale scores, and unemployment had a significant impact on NON scale scores. Potential explanations are discussed, including the dual role of CA as both social and emotional support providers, and as tools of coercion and control used by the perpetrator. These findings underscore the importance of integrated human and animal welfare services and support the development of professional training programs and legislative reforms to protect IPV survivors and their CAs.