Citation

Signal T, Taylor N, Burke KJ, Brownlow L. Violence Against Women 2018; 24(6): 718-726.

Affiliation

Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1077801217711266

PMID

29332496

Abstract

Although the role of companion animals within the dynamic of domestic violence (DV) is increasingly recognized, the overlap of animal harm and insurance discrimination for victims/survivors of DV has not been considered. Prompted by a case study presented in a National Link Coalition LINK-Letter, this research note examines "Pet Insurance" policies available in Australia and whether nonaccidental injury caused by an intimate partner would be covered. We discuss the implications of exclusion criteria for victims/survivors of DV, shelters providing places for animals within a DV dynamic, and, more broadly, for cross- or mandatory-reporting (of animal harm) initiatives.

Language: en

Keywords

animal abuse; domestic violence; insurance discrimination; pets