Realigning the domestic violence planet; bringing speciesism into focus – Starting a conversation on a new intersectionality and victimhood

The Domestic Abuse Bill (2019) and various Government Strategies ( e.g. VAWG) has seen an uptick in recognition of the importance of ‘hidden’ victims/survivors of DVA as distinct topics for empirical study and practical policy research recently. These developments have been achieved by increasing awareness that previously ‘invisible’ and ‘vulnerable’ victims/survivors such as children should be given independent agency. As a result, research and practice has been developed strategically to address their specific needs in terms of protection, prevention and intervention. Whilst we welcome this progress, it does not - we believe - go far enough.

Currently non-human animal abuse is largely considered as a risk indicator (‘red flag’) for inter-human abuse. We wish to start a conversation concerning recognising non-human animals (‘pets’) as victims experiencing DVA who are worthy of victimhood status in their own ‘right.’ We argue - from this standpoint - that the concept of independent agency is equally applicable to pets who are victims/survivors of DVA. Moreover, we ask what this means when we consider intersectionality and the study of DVA.