Pets are beloved by families all across the globe. They provide emotional support, unconditional love and can help to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Unfortunately pets can also be victims of family and domestic violence, just like their loved ones, and often play a really important part of the decision-making process when it comes to leaving a violent or abusive relationship. Studies suggest that animal abuse occurs in up to 70% of domestic and family violence cases. Animals become targets themselves or are used as a means to intimidate, coerce or control victim-survivors. Many fleeing domestic or family violence situations can’t take their pets with them wherever they’re going, which can lead to them delaying or avoiding leaving because they fear for the safety of their pet/s once they’re gone. A constant battle in a survivor’s brain – how do you escape a terrible situation but leave behind a cherished and loved family member? In these cases, animals can suffer the same physical abuse as their humans which can lead to long-lasting psychological and emotional issues. They can develop fear responses, a distrust of humans, depression, anxiety and can display unwanted behavioural changes. No furry, feathered, fluffy or scaley friends should be left behind. We are proud to have @petstock_australia @petstock_nz as a partner of Polished Man 2022 and Polished Pet. They are committed to empowering a better future for both pets and people and are dedicated to making a positive impact today, and leading change for a better tomorrow. Search #polishedpet to see some of the cute animals supporting us in helping to end violence against women and children and creating a safer world for humans and pets alike. #PolishedMan #PolishedMan2022 #polishedpet #endviolence #endviolenceagainstchildren #endviolenceagainstwomen #endviolenceagainstwomenandchildren #nfp