Philadelphia ACE Task Force Member Risa Mandell, LCSW, has reminded us that it is important to understand that witnessing animal cruelty may be an adverse childhood event that has lasting impact and may also be indicative of other ACEs. She has pointed us to an article by Barbara Boat, PhD. Dr. Boat gives an excellent summary of the ACE study and its impact and then points out that "up to 76% of animal abuse occurs in front of children." She makes a compelling case for listening to what people have to say about their experiences with animals and pets and sensitively asking about animal cruelty in forensic interviews. She recommends:
Forensic interviewers, or anyone involved in interviewing child victims or child witnesses to violence, should consider asking children about animals in their homes.
Some helpful questions include:
1. “Do you have any pets?”
2. “Do you — or have you ever had — a favorite or special pet?”
3. “Was there ever a time when you were upset and your pet was a source of comfort to you?”
4. “Do you — or did you — ever worry about bad things happening to your pet?”
5. “Has anyone ever hurt — or threatened to hurt — your pet?”
6. “How is your pet taught to be good?”
Follow-up each positive response with 'Tell me more about that'
For those who want to learn more you can read the full article by Dr. Boat here:
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