Acknowledgements

Sheriff King. The researcher would like to acknowledge the input, support and advice from all members of this advisory team, and also from Dr. Elizabeth Bennett and Dr. Stephen Koffman of Gonzaga University. The researcher also acknowledges the support and input provided by the staff and residents of the two shelters participating in the study, Sheriff King and Brenda Strafford, without whom this research would not have been possible. Sue McIntosh MA, CCC is a graduate of the M.A. program in counselling at Gonzaga University. She is a counsellor in private practice in Alberta with a focus on animal assisted and equine facilitated counselling. Her research interests include animal assisted therapy and the human animal bond. © Sue C. McIntosh, MA, CCC, 2004 Page 2 Links between animal abuse and family violence were investigated regarding women and children entering two Calgary women’s shelters. The incidence and impact of animal abuse perpetrated by the perpetrator and / or the victims of family violence, including children, is explored. Results confirm prior research (Ascione, 2000) indicating that animal abuse and other forms of family violence frequently co-exist and that many women delay seeking safety due to concerns for their pets. Further, results indicate that children who witness animal abuse are likely to be impacted and may become abusive, towards animals and people, themselves