Animal-Inclusive Protection Order Statutes: A Powerful Tool for Addressing and Mitigating Coercive Control

Abstract

Given mounting evidence that animal abuse and intimate partner commonly co-occur, and that victims/survivors will delay leaving abusers due to concern for their companion animals, many U.S. states have amended their protection order statutes to enable the inclusion of animals. These amendments have received limited attention, and research has not examined their use and interpretation in the courts. Addressing this gap, this article analyzes legal judgments where these statutes have been cited to date, 38 in total. The findings indicate these statutes are providing much-needed protection for victims/survivors, particularly from ongoing coercive control. Recommendations for extending these protections are provided.