AIPARG members are currently involved in a number of ongoing research projects, including: examining the relationship between animal abuse and physical intimate partner violence, emotional intimate partner abuse, help-seeking behaviour among IPV victims/survivors, and stalking; assessing the relationship between companion animals and physical, psychological, and social well-being among Canadian adults; collecting data about programs to shelter abused women's companion animals while they seek refuge at shelters for abused women and children; and evaluating animal cruelty enforcement systems.
AIPARG members received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada to expand their study of the intersection of animal abuse and intimate partner violence. “This project will determine the best strategies for addressing the needs of abused women with pets, and disseminate this knowledge to shelters, practitioners, and policy makers,” said Dr. Fitzgerald.