Like family, pets provide us unconditional love and support during our most vulnerable moments, asking for nothing in return. Yet pets are rarely included in family violence prevention, detection, or intervention initiatives. Victims of abuse often choose to remain in the abusive home if no safe place of refuge exists for their animals. Protection of their pets often comes at a perilous price.

Author Andrew Campbell survived his own familial abuse in great part due to the support and unconditional love of his own pet. His compelling personal story inspired his groundbreaking research about the role that pets play in protecting victims of family violence. Campbell shares how when pets are included in family violence prevention plans, we can better provide support at the very time the victims need it most.