Type:	Journal Article
Title:	Animal-assisted therapy for children affected by family violence and homelessness: 'animals shouldn't feel that way - and neither should people
Other Titles:	DVIRC Quarterly
Authors:	Damiani, Karen Lewis, Nerys
Keywords:	Animal abuse;Impact on children and young people;Early intervention
Year:	2006
Publisher:	Domestic Violence & Incest Resource Centre
Citation:	3, Spring 2006
Notes:	General Overview:This Australian article explores the use of Empathy Education and Training programs (animal-assisted therapy) with children in transitional housing and family violence services and describes how the programs can assist children with overcoming trauma. Objective:The aim of such programs is to reduce interruptions to normal development in children who have to live with the trauma of violence or homelessness by encouraging empathy, improving self esteem and developing positive regard. Discussion:The article examines the linkages between people, pets and violence and refers to a growing body of evidence that shows that a family pet can play a role in the dynamic of family violence. It explains that pets are used to control others and are subjected to abuse and neglect. Pets’ experiences may be similar to those of the vulnerable members of the family (e.g. women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities). It finds that children who have experienced violence or who have witnessed violence to humans or animal cruelty, are more likely to hurt animals. However, many are also drawn to animals as companions. It looks at how developing empathy is part of a normal development that can be interrupted by exposure to violence. It goes on to describe animal-assisted programs and the process of the therapy. Conclusions:The article concludes that the presence of animals can facilitate story telling and can encourage children to see parallels with their own experiences. It suggests that animal-assisted therapy cannot be a solution on its own but it is a powerful intervention to help overcome some of the damage on children who have been subjected to violence.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/13427
ISSN:	1324-4264
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

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