Betty Jo Barrett – The Conversation

Women may delay leaving an abusive partner if they co-own a pet. (Pexels)

June 16, 2020

People in abusive relationships face many barriers to leaving — pets should not be one

Amy Fitzgerald, University of Windsor; Betty Jo Barrett, University of Windsor; Deborah McPhee, Brock University; Patti Timmons Fritz, University of Windsor, and Rochelle Stevenson, Thompson Rivers University

Canada must consider funding programs that allow abuse victims and survivors to bring their pets with them when they leave their partners.

Abused women were concerned that their pets may also be harmed by their abuser. (Shutterstock)

June 26, 2017

Fears for pets can put abused women at further risk

Allison Gray, University of Windsor; Amy Fitzgerald, University of Windsor, and Betty Jo Barrett, University of Windsor

Concern for their pets’ safety can lead women to delay leaving their abusers. Better on-site pet services in women’s shelters would enable them to seek help without fear for their animals’ well-being.

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