Crystal Giesbrecht on Intimate Partner Violence and the Role of Animal Safekeeping

RESOLVing Violence

In the latest thought-provoking episode of the Resolving Violence podcast, Crystal Giesbrecht delves deep into the intersection of intimate partner violence (IPV) and animal maltreatment. Crystal, the director of research and communications at the Provincial Association Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan (PAADs), shares her findings from a groundbreaking study conducted in Saskatchewan in 2020. This episode sheds light on the importance of providing support for survivors of domestic violence who have animals, and the far-reaching implications of this issue.
Crystal emphasizes the availability of animal safekeeping programs offered by animal welfare organizations, humane societies, and SPCAs. These programs allow survivors to temporarily keep their pets while in a domestic violence shelter or during temporary relocation. Her research underscores the significance of partnerships between animal safekeeping programs and domestic violence agencies or the police. Such collaborations ensure a comprehensive response to the needs of survivors with animals.
By bringing attention to the availability of animal safekeeping programs, the importance of collaborative efforts, and the need to address resource disparities, this episode serves as a call to action. It urges listeners to support initiatives that prioritize the safety and well-being of both human and animal survivors of domestic violence. By working together, we can create a safer and more compassionate society for all.
Learn More About Our Guest:
Crystal Giesbrecht (she/her) has served as the Director of Research and Communications at the Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan (PATHS), the member association for domestic violence shelters and counselling centres, since January 2011. Her work at PATHS includes conducting research relating to intimate partner violence (IPV) and educating professionals and the public on best practices for supporting survivors of IPV. Crystal is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Justice Studies at the University of Regina and a Vanier Canada Scholar. She has conducted and published research relating to intimate partner violence in Saskatchewan, including the intersection of IPV, animal maltreatment, and animal safekeeping.

To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/