WHILE the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence ended recently, the work for activists and those helping affected women continues. One of them is uMhlanga’s Sylvia Goncalves, who said she has noticed an increase in abuse of animals and women. Goncalves said there is now a strong correlation linking animal abuse and domestic violence.
The local resident, who founded Persian Cat Rescue Durban, a safe haven and a sanctuary for Persian cats with special needs that can’t be homed due to illness such as felv/fiv or that have behavioural problems and are not well socialised enough to be homed.
“What I have found is the abusers use the pet to control their loved ones. So many domestic violence victims often feel trapped and are afraid to try and escape their situation because there are pets involved. For most victims that pet is a part of their family much like their children and the thought of harm coming to that animal is too much to bear for some women,” she explained.
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“I recently rescued a cat from a North Durban home that had been abused by a woman who had been abused. The cat was so terrified that it now cannot be homed and is extremely fearful of any human contact. I can’t say exactly how many domestic violence cases involve animals, but in the last few years I’ve found an increase in this. It breaks my heart to see situations like this and if I can I will help women who are fearful for their pets’ safety. I will be able to put them in touch with the relevant people,” she said.
Carol van Tonder, founder of the Durban North/Umhlanga Crisis Team (DNUCT), echoed Goncalves’ thoughts.
“I think people underestimate how domestic violence also affects people around them and pets. I’ve gone to homes where the dogs or cats are cowering in fear. I urge residents who find themselves in similar situations to seek help. People like Sylvia or myself or trauma counsellors, it’s important to speak about this and seek help,” she said.
Contact Goncalves on 084 753 2517 or email Carol on carol@crisisteam.co.za.
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