Synergy & Symbiosis: How to Establish and Sustain Community Link Programs Phil Arkow
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.”
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