Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations – Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence

Hosted by Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations:

A Matter of Community and Family Safety: Understanding and Addressing the Interconnections Between Animal Abuse and Interpersonal Violence

Introductory Training

The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that contributes to the health and wellbeing of both. Unfortunately, that same bond can be exploited and weaponized in abusive human relationships. Countless studies over the past forty years have examined and documented “the Link” between animal cruelty and various forms of interpersonal violence, namely domestic or interpersonal violence, child maltreatment, and elder abuse. This training will provide fundamental education on the Link and will delve into the ways that state laws, including Ohio laws, and court systems acknowledge and respond to the Link.

What Court Officers Can Do to Safeguard the Human-Animal Bond and Address the LINK in Domestic Relations Cases

Judges handling domestic relations cases have unique opportunities as well as obligations to safeguard all the members of a household — pets and humans — and to promote the wellbeing of each. This presentation will introduce juc„cial officers and other legal practitioners to recommended practices in these cases. It will also engage participants in action planning on steps to implement recommended practice in Franklin County.

Location: Franklin County Government Center, 369 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 | First Floor, Room 3

This FREE event is hosted by the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations. See the full flyer here.

Please RSVP to sheree_yates@fccourts.org by May 3, 2024.