Domestic violence advocates have teamed up with animal lovers to get the word out about abuse.
The South Snohomish County Domestic Violence Task Force has partnered with officials from Snohomish County 4-H to educate families on the link between animal abuse and domestic violence.
Experts say if someone is harming animals, it can be a strong indicator of domestic violence in the home.
Batterers also use family pets as a way to control their victims, said Tammy McElyea, domestic violence coordinator for the Mountlake Terrace Police Department.
The task force opened up a contest to 4-H members to design educational posters about the issue. A dozen posters were recently displayed at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe.
“They did a great job. It’s about children teaching adults about the issue. It’s the only way to break the cycle,” McElyea said.
The 4-H program historically has helped teach children, said Jana Ferris, youth development faculty member with Washington State University.
“Many of these kids are very passionate about animals,” Ferris said. “They connected with the issue.”
Amber Green, 17, of Gold Bar won the contest and printing companies have volunteered to print her poster of the universal symbol for ‘No,’ a circle with a red slash, over a boot and a puppy.
The next step for the task force is to establish emergency animal shelters where domestic violence victims can temporarily leave their pets when fleeing abusers, McElyea said.
Reporter Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463 or hefley@heraldnet.com.
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