Protecting Pets, Protecting People

USU psychology professor Frank Ascione has found that more than 80 percent of abused women report pet abuse by their abusers. Ascione says abusers often harm pets to punish or intimidate a victim. Protecting pets by establishing laws can help protect human victims and several states are moving to protect pets in families ripped apart by domestic violence.

From “Laws Shield Pets from Domestic Violence,” USA Today, Aug. 24, 2006. For more information, contact USU psychology professor Frank Ascione, 435-797-1464.