ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) – According to national data shared by CASA Pinellas, one in three women and one in four men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
For many survivors, the abuse extends beyond people. Seven in 10 survivors report their abuser also threatened, harmed, or killed their pets, a factor that can prevent victims from leaving dangerous situations.
“Even if they are not physically being beaten, just witnessing the violence has a significant effect on both children and pets,” said Lariana Forsythe, CEO of CASA Pinellas. “Being able to take them all in and give the entire family the opportunity to start healing is critically important.”…