Synergy & Symbiosis:
How to Establish and Sustain
Community Link Programs
Phil Arkow
Consultant – The Link
ASPCA – Animals & Society Institute
National Link Coalition – The Latham Foundation
Stratford, NJ
[email protected] - 856-627-5118
Texas Unites for Animals
March 18, 2012
“When animals are abused, people are at risk;
When people are abused, animals are at risk.”
A coalition is a union of people working together to
influence the outcomes of a specific problem
-- and it’s not a new concept…
“Americans are a peculiar people… If, in a local community, a
citizen becomes aware of a human need that is not met, he
thereupon discusses the situation with his neighbors.
Suddenly a committee comes into existence. The
committee thereupon begins to operate on behalf of
the need, and a new community function is
established. It is like watching a miracle.”
Alexis de Tocqueville, 1840
Democracy in America
The Link – Brief Overview
1. Decades of research link cruelty to animals and IPV
2. Animals often targets of threats and violence to
control women & kids
3. Animal abuse an early warning sign of families in trouble
4. Animal investigators first point of social services interventions
5. Child-pet bond can be used to nurture empathy and positive
child development
6. Approaching family violence via The Link:
• protects all victims
• offers early interventions
• improves community systems through coordinated,
integrated MDTs
Significant Statistics
• Pet abuse is one of the four significant
indicators of who is at greatest risk of
becoming a batterer
• Of 200 animal abuse offenders:
– 99% had priors, averaging 4 criminal offenses
- 61.5% had committed an assault
- 17% had committed sexual abuse
- 8% had arson convictions
Animal abuse a better predictor of sexual assault
than priors for homicide, arson or weapons offenses
Significant Statistics
• Animal abuse rate in child abusing families –
60%; Physical abuse: 88%; 1,100% more dog
bites; vet services comparable
• 71% animal abuse rate among battered
women; 32% reported children abused
animals; Incidents in front of 87% of women,
75% of children
Significant Statistics
• Batterers who also abuse pets are more dangerous than
batterers who do not abuse pets. They use more controlling
behaviors, and more forms of violence:
• sexual violence
• marital rape,
• emotional violence
• stalking
Significant Statistics
18% - 45% of battered women –
and their children – can’t find
refuge in fear for their animals’ welfare
Significant Case Histories
David Berkowitz
Albert DeSalvo
“Son of Sam” “Boston Strangler”
Lee Malvo
Donald Rader
“The BTK Killer”
Ted Bundy
Kip Kinkle
Jeffrey Dahmer
Eric Harris &
Dylan Klebold
Pets in the American Family
• More homes have pets than children
• Child more likely to grow up with pets than with a father
• More money on pet food than baby food
• More dogs in the US than people in most countries in Europe
• More cats in the US than dogs
• Texas pets: 6,963,000 dogs, 6,446,000 cats, 60.6% of homes
Pets in Times of Crisis
Hurricane
Katrina
Fukushima
Earthquake, Tsunami,
Nuclear incident
The joy of the human-animal bond
Pets simply help us
to love life…
The “dark side” of the human-animal bond:
Animal abuse as a potential indicator and
predictor of interpersonal violence
Knowledge of animal abuse is an
effective lethality and risk assessment
Pets – All in the Family,
Caught in the Crossfire
“Being a member of the family means that not
only do humans and other animals benefit from
that association – they can also be victims of it.”
Christina Risley-Curtiss,
School of Social Work,
Arizona State University
What is The Link?
The “Link” between
animal abuse
and other forms
of family violence
“When animals are
abused, people are
at risk;
When people are
abused, animals are
at risk.”
Caught in the Cross-fire: Types of
Animal/Human Violence Links
1. Abusive partner threatens, hurts or kills to control or
coerce. Woman fears leaving. Batterer uses pets to:
- hold family hostage
- exact revenge
- control his victims
2. Abuser threatens, hurts or kills to control or coerce child.
3. Child harms or kills animal, or witnesses animal cruelty
4. Hoarding
5. Animal fighting
Traditional
Family
Systems
Theory
More
Appropriate
Family
Systems
Theory
Why Do We Need To Work Together?
“Symbiosis”: Two organisms live together for mutual benefit
“Synergy”: The whole is greater than the sum of its parts
• Family violence rarely occurs in a vacuum
• No one agency or profession can solve it alone
• No one has adequate funding
• Violent values are intergenerational, cyclical, and self-fulfilling
• Same perpetrators
• Triage: target the highest-risk situations
(e.g., Colorado Springs, Nashville)
Why is Interdisciplinary Work Important?
Nashville, TN: Lethality Assessment:
3 top indicators that a woman will be killed by her batterer
» Suicide threats?
» Access to weapons?
» Threats to mutilate or kill pets?
By asking these 3 questions in
telephone screening, and adding a
multidisciplinary response…
DV cases increased 50%,
DV fatalities decreased 80%
Why Should Animal Abuse
Be Taken Seriously?
• Identifies other criminal activities
(Chicago: 35% of search warrants for animal abuse or dog fighting
resulted in seizures of narcotics or guns. 18/22 offenders had priors for
battery)
• Exposes family violence
• First access to a troubled family
• Indicator that children pose risk to selves and others
• Witnesses /victims more comfortable talking about it
• Begins early in childhood
• Inflicts pain and suffering on victims
Why should animal abuse
be taken seriously?
Healthy communities…
“Animal cruelty is more than just a legal issue.
It’s a community issue. If you improve animal
welfare in a community, you improve public
safety for everyone.”
-- Baltimore Mayor
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
KEY PREMISES
1. Animal abuse must be
perceived and documented
as a human welfare issue.
2. Animal abuse must be
re-defined as family violence.
3. The network of community caregivers
must be cross-trained to recognize and
report all forms of family violence.
The challenge for social services:
Interventions when animals are involved may
require creative solutions by caseworkers who
are sensitive to animals and clients’ attachments
to them.
What Can Coalitions Do?
ASK THE QUESTIONS!!
• If you don’t ask about the pets in the lives
of your clients, you’re missing a part of the
puzzle – and an opportunity to build trust
– Child welfare
– Child protection
– Youth services
– Domestic violence
– Adult services
What Can Coalitions Do?
ASK THREE QUESTIONS!!
Request information about animals and animal cruelty
in:
• Intakes
• Referrals
• Safety
planning
• Assessments
• Treatments
• Transition
housing
1. “Are there animals at
home?”
2. “How are they cared for?”
3. “Are you worried about
their welfare?”
What Can Coalitions Do?
Publicize The Link
What Can Coalitions Do?
Publicize The Link
“Studies
show that
people who
abuse their
pets are also
likely to abuse
their kids. So
if you see an animal mistreated or neglected, please
report it. Because the parent who comes home and
kicks the cat is probably just warming up.”
What Can Coalitions Do?
Publicize The Link
It’s OK to
talk to me
about family
violence
and abuse.
Button worn by
domestic
violence and
veterinary staff
What Can Coalitions Do?
Pet Safekeeping
“SAF-T:
Sheltering
Animals &
Families
Together
“Safe Havens”
What Can Coalitions Do?
Advocacy for Public Policy
Laws allowing judges to
include animals in
protection-from-abuse
orders
= states including acts
of animal cruelty within
statutory definition of
domestic violence or elder
abuse
What Can Coalitions Do?
Cross-Training
Step 4 Set up lines of communication
Step 3
Step 2
Reciprocate by having them do a training for your
staff
Conduct an in-service training to introduce them to your
organization and how it functions
Step 1 Make contact with other agencies
What Can Coalitions Do?
Cross-Reporting
Family &
Children’s
Services
Humane
Society
Guelph, Ont.
Implementation Strategies
What YOU can do to put The Link into practice
1. Develop good working relationships: Memorandum of Understanding
2. Know who to call for referrals: compile Directory of Services
- Humane Society/SPCA/Animal Control/breed rescues
- Veterinarians/vet associations/vet schools
- Domestic violence agencies
- Child welfare agencies
- Pet-friendly apartments for transition housing
3. Train caseworkers: Check the physical condition of pets.
Inadequate food/water/shelter.
Excessive numbers of animals.
Dangerous animals threatening child’s welfare.
What Advocates Can Do for Battered Women
with Companion Animals
Direct clients to animal sheltering programs
2. Include pets in safety planning
3. Help clients prove animal ownership (licenses,
vaccinations, vet bills, pet store receipts, pedigrees)
4. Help clients retrieve animals left behind (through abuse
prevention orders)
5. Help clients obtain permanent housing with pets
6. Make referrals to animal adoption agencies
7. Get involved in community and state-wide coalitions…
1.
What Can You Do?
Community Coalitions
Advantages of a Multidisciplinary Approach
• Reduce family violence
• Recognize pets as members of family – and shelters as viable
community agencies
• Improved effectiveness in achieving mission
• Effect systemic change
• Professional & organizational growth
• Increase friends in community
• Increase awareness in community --> more resources
• More comprehensive case management
• Reduce duplication of services
Who Needs to Be Included?
Animal Services
Social Services
Criminal Justice
Animal Welfare
- Humane Society
- SPCA
- Non-sheltered
- Breed rescues
- Kennels
Children
- CPS
- Child Welfare
- Children’s hospitals
- Teachers
- Child care providers
Animal Control
- City
- County
Domestic Violence
- Women’s shelters
- Advocacy groups
- OB/GYNs
Law Enforcement
- Police
- Sheriff
- Victim Services
- Juvenile crimes
- Fire Dept.: arson
- Probation/Parole
- Juvenile justice
Courts
- Prosecutors
- Forensic interviewers
- Judges
- Family court
- Children’s court
- CASA
Veterinary
- Veterinarians
- Vet techs
- Public Health
Elders
- APS
- Senior services centers
- Homemaker services
Who Needs to Be Included?
Other
Clergy
- Faith-based aid groups
- Interested clergy
Military family services
Mental Health professionals
- Assessment and treatment providers
Existing coalitions
- DV task force
- Children’s Justice Task Force
- Court improvement committee
- Fatality review boards
- Family support centers
- Ethnic organizations
Regional/state professional associations
Others??? (USE YOUR IMAGINATION…)
Ingredients for Coalition Success
Accepted and committed leadership
Commitment to participate
- Belief in value of working together
Agreement on common goal(s)
Respect for each participant’s expertise
Open communications
- Ongoing feedback
DVERT’s* Principles of a Successful Coalition
1. Elect a leader to resolve inevitable
conflicts
2. Secure support from their organizations
3. Open communications: everyone has equal voice
4. Separate identity: establish its own site, ID and culture
* Domestic Violence Enhanced
Response Team, Colorado Springs, Colo.
DVERT’s Principles of a Successful Coalition
5. Release control: participants must be
freed to develop new approaches
6. Have clear expectations (goals, roles,
policies, voting powers). Establish with
MOU
7. Start small, expand as systems emerge
8. Establish continuity in leadership
DVERT’s Principles of a Successful Coalition
9. Opportunities for joint training
10. Respect each other’s expertise
11. Have committed participants: not just the right discipline,
but right individual
12. Have openness, genuine concern, sound judgment -and a sense of humor
5 Stages of Community Coalitions
1. Network
An informal, non-hierarchical process of communication. Low-key
leadership, minimal decision-making, loosely-defined roles, little conflict.
Purpose: Create dialogue, clearinghouse for information or action.
2. Cooperation
Informal relationships without common mission, structure or planning.
Information shared as needed. Each participant retains authority so no
risk. Resources and rewards are separate.
3. Coordination
More formal relationship, understanding of compatible missions. Some
planning & division of roles required. Authority rests with individual
entities but now some risk. Resources available to all. Rewards are
mutually acknowledged.
5 Stages of Community Coalitions
4. Coalition
Formed to share ideas and pull resources from existing systems.
Leadership is shared. Decision-making formal and involves all members.
Communication is frequent and prioritized. May have specific lifespan to
accomplish objective. Roles, time frames and linkages may be formalized.
Independent budget may be established.
5. Collaboration
More durable and pervasive relationship. Formerly separate entities
create a new structure with full commitment to common mission.
Comprehensive planning. Well-defined communications operate on many
levels. Authority determined by collaborative structure. Risk much
greater as each entity contributes its own reputation and resources.
Products are shared.
Components of Successful Collaborations
To work together effectively:
Communication
•
•
•
•
a common language
agreed-upon definitions
limited jargon or abbreviations
an environment that encourages questions and clarification
Cooperation
• shared, clear and agreed-upon expectations
• establish the common benefits
• set ground rules for handling conflict and frustration
(“agree to disagree”)
Components of Successful Collaborations
To work together effectively:
Coordination
• coordinate schedules & calendars
• examine protocols for opportunities for integrated approaches
• revisit the initial plan regularly
Commitment
• 100% support for the concept
• model the vision, provide resources and direction to sustain it
LEAVE YOUR EGO AT THE DOOR!!!
NOTE: Need for $$$ not
necessarily on the list!
A challenge…
An answer…
• Take baby steps.
• Don’t try to do it all at once.
• Pick 1 or 2 projects you can
realistically accomplish
Steps
1. Research the need in your community:
a. Level of awareness
b. ID those in favor/opposed
c. Perception that coalition would be benefit?
d. Assurance of sustainability?
2. ID & make personal contact with relevant agencies
a. ID key players: authority to make things happen
b. Start with those who are interested
c. Add others as interest and linkages emerge
d. ID agency/individual key strengths & how they can be used
e. Strategic planning sessions to gain buy-in
3. Elect leader(s) to coordinate
4. Define most appropriate form of arrangement
5. Schedule regular meetings and get on calendars
Steps
6. Assign areas of responsibility
(PR, training, finance, etc.)
7. May or may not need by-laws, articles of
incorporation, mission/vision statement
8. Flexibility as players, agencies & situations change
9. Reassess periodically
10. Publicize the program
Challenges and Solutions
CHALLENGES
WORK-AROUNDS
Fear of dilution of mission
All part of bigger picture
Fear of siphoning off
financial support
No one has enough $$$;
$$$ available for innovative solutions
Differing languages and levels of
professionalism and authority
Respect each other’s strengths
Philosophical differences (e.g.,
prevention vs. prosecution)
Recognize need for inclusiveness
Confidentiality constraints
Permissive/mandating legislation
Challenges and Solutions
CHALLENGES
WORK-AROUNDS
Who has time these days?
Make time for what’s important;
find a coordinator
Social services not trained or
sensitized to animal issues
Promote safety for them and clients;
Add Link to SSW curricula
No $$$
Community foundations; $ for
capacity building, leadership
development, program
sustainability, partnerships
Animal welfare marginalized
Portray as human welfare issue;
first responders
Challenges and Solutions
CHALLENGES
WORK-AROUNDS
Sector silos: compartmentalization
(social services)
Draw in people with holistic
perspective
Sector silos: stratification
(academia vs. practitioners)
Draw in people with holistic
perspective
No desire for free-standing
infrastructure
Fiscal sponsorship
Resources – Other Coalitions
National Link Coalition a resource, not a franchisor
Note: no uniform model. Structures vary widely
• State/local focus
• Freestanding organization/agency program
• Varying goals, budgets and sophistication…
Resources – Other Coalitions
MODELS:
• Program within established organization
• ACT/Humane Society of So. AZ
• CACP/COBAR
• Linkage Project/YAI
• ASAP/Connect NYC
• BK2A/Klamath CAP
• Cruelty Connection/Alberta SPCA
• Partnership with other organization
• SNAAP/Washington Humane Society
• Free-standing 501c3
• Humane Link (Phoenix)
• Safe People Safe Pets (Boston)
Resources – Other Coalitions
MODELS:
• Commission sponsored by state or city
• Mayor’s Commission: Baltimore
• Governor’s/State Commission: NM, NH, RI, DE
• All Volunteer
• Most….
• Paid staff
• Linkage Project (Maine)
• Safe People Safe Pets (Boston)
Resources – Other Coalitions
Other coalitions
- Boston, MA - Safe People, Safe Pets
www.safepeoplesafepets.org
- foster care for DV victims
- educational workshops
- support policy & legislation
- Berkshire Co., MA – HAVEN Network
(Human-Animal Violence Education Network)
Lorna Grande – www.havennetwork.org
- general & profession-specific education
- video
- promote programs of compassion and tolerance
- support creation & implementation of cross-training
- establish professional networks across disciplines
- research policy issues of cruelty & human violence
Resources – Other Coalitions
Other coalitions
- Phoenix, AZ - Arizona Humane Link Coalition
Chris Risley-Curtiss – www.thehumanelink.com
- promote awareness of child, family & animal abuse
- support human-animal bond interventions
- speakers’ bureau
- quarterly newsletter
- Denver, CO – Colorado Alliance for Cruelty Prevention
Kath Schoen – www.coacp.info
- clearinghouse for data, research & resources
- raise public awareness
- legal advocacy
- newsletters
- committees
Resources – Other Coalitions
Other coalitions
- Leavenworth, KS – Leavenworth County Link
Crystal Swann Blackdeer – [email protected]
- bookmarks, brochure, poster
- work with Alliance Against Family Violence
- monthly meetings  quarterly
- AniCare
-  training for teachers, PD, SO & ACOs
- Wichita, KS – Animal Justice Coalition
Dep. Christy Fischer – www.animaljusticecoalition.com
- PD, SO, ACOs, prosecutors, vets
- low-cost training for cruelty investigators
- public education
Resources – Other Coalitions
Other coalitions
- Orlando, FL:
- Animal Services “Cruelty Hurts” campaign
- CrimeLine anonymous tip line
- Harbor House SAF-T shelter
- Court Watch: track & publicize felony
cruelty cases
- Washington, DC: Safety Network for Abused Animals & People
-Blair Warner – www.safeanimalssafepeople.org
- foster care for DV victims
- DC Animal Abuse Watch Group (DAAWG) –
neighborhood watch for animal cruelty
- community outreach & education
- DV/AA cross-training
Resources – Other Coalitions
Other coalitions
- Baltimore, MD: Mayor’s Anti-Animal Abuse Advisory Comm.
Caroline A. Griffin, Chair – [email protected]
- report to mayor
- awareness motorcycle ride by police
- NYC, NY: Alliance for the Safety of Animals & People (ASAP)
Elaine Wolff & Susan Urban:
www.connectnyc.org/programs/asap.php
- training conferences
- petitions for on-site housing of pets in shelters
- raise awareness among service providers & public
- create model programming for women, children & pets
experiencing DV
Resources – Other Coalitions
Other coalitions
- Klamath Falls, OR: Be Kind to Animals (BK2A)
Michael Kaibel – www.klamathCAP.com
- program of Klamath Child Abuse Prevention
- empathy skill-building materials to parents & caregivers
- public education on The Link
- Klamath Animal Watch - neighborhood watch for pets
- United Kingdom: The Links Group
Paula Boyden -- www.thelinksgroup.org.uk
- training conferences
- resource directory
Resources
Other coalitions
- Portland, ME - The Linkage Project
Tonya DiMillo – www.linkageproject.org
LD 583 & 584 (2007)
- Allows CPS, APS and other social service workers to report
suspected animal cruelty without fear of violating confidentiality
- Allows ACOs to report suspected child or vulnerable adult abuse
with immunity from civil/criminal liability
Statewide animal welfare advisory board
1st Pets in Protection Orders law
Next Steps…
Getting Started 
• Coalition
exploration
Keep Moving 
• Participant
recruitment
• Coalition formation • Leadership &
and continuity
participant roles
• Identify possible
projects
Expand Horizons 
• Committees
WARNING #1
“A camel is a horse
that was designed by
a committee”
-- Ayn Rand
Take It Home
• Ongoing
brainstorming
• Action plans
• Funding & agency
support
• Mission statement
• Networking
• Logistics
• Activities &
interaction
WARNING #2: Beware the 4 steps of nonprofits:
Wonder – Blunder – Thunder – Under
Next Steps…
Potential Coalition Activities
• Clearinghouse of state-specific information
• Public awareness/advocacy campaigns
• Networking
• Rotate meetings among participants to see their programs
• Speakers and panel discussions
• Events linked to national events
(BKA Week, DV Awareness Month, CA Prevention Month, etc.)
• Cross-training, in-services, conferences
• Serve on each others’ boards, MDTs
• Articles for each others’ newsletters
• Distribute each others’ brochures
Next Steps…
Potential Coalition Activities
• Pet foster care directory
• Pet-friendly transitional housing
• Website, social media
• Newsletter
• Brochures, bookmarks, posters
• Safety planning
• Public, parents, teachers
• Fundraising
• Pet supplies for foster care
• Police & fire dog equipment
• Volunteers
Resources
www.nationallinkcoalition.org
Sign up for our LINK-LETTER!
The Latham Foundation
www.latham.org
www.aspca.org
www.animalsandsociety.org
Other Resources
Arkow, P. (ed.) (2008). Strategizing the Link: Summary Report on the
National Town Meeting and Experts’ Summit on the Link Between
Animal Abuse and Human Violence. Englewood, CO: American
Humane.
Arkow, P. (2003). Breaking the Cycles of Violence: A Guide to Multidisciplinary Interventions for Child Protection, Domestic Violence and
Animal Protection Agencies. Alameda, CA: Latham Foundation.
Arkow, P. (2000). Synergy and symbiosis in animal-assisted therapy:
Interdisciplinary Collaborations. In, A.H. Fine, Ed.: Handbook on
Animal-Assisted Therapy: Theoretical Foundations and Guidelines
for Practice. San Diego, Academic Press., pp. 433-448.
“Never doubt that a
small group of
thoughtful, committed
citizens can change
the world. Indeed, it is
the only thing that ever
has.”
Margaret Mead
US anthropologist &
popularizer of
anthropology
(1901 - 1978)
Synergy & Symbiosis:
How to Establish and Sustain a
Community Link® Coalition
Phil Arkow
Consultant – The Link
ASPCA – Animals & Society Institute
National Link Coalition – The Latham Foundation
Stratford, NJ
[email protected] - 856-627-5118
“When animals are abused, people are at risk;
When people are abused, animals are at risk.”