PUBLISHED ARTICLES
The impact of the bond between survivors of intimate partner violence and larger companion and farmed animals
Survivors of intimate partner violence experience numerous challenges and barriers that impact their safety decision-making, including considerations regarding the interspecies members of their families. My study focused on gathering survivor voices as well as the voices of service providers to offer insight as to how the bond between survivors and their farmed, larger companion, and working animals impacts the survivor’s safety decision-making. The key findings of this study highlight that the bonds between survivors and these types of animals are positively emotionally impactful and this bond significantly impacts survivors’ decisions regarding safety. Survivors who do leave the relationship have to find solutions for the care of these types of animals or permanently end the relationship with their animals. Overall, there is a need for a multi-layered solution with multiple options for survivors and all types of animals to support survivors in maintaining their bond with their animals in these circumstances.
Keeping IPV Survivors and their Farmed & Large Companion Animals Together: Learning from Survivors & Service Providers in Rural, Remote, and Farming Communities
Accepted chapter in Keeping People and Pets Together: Community-based Interventions
What’s in a Label? Rethinking How We Talk About Gender-Based Violence
Lalonde, D. & O'Neill, S. (2025). What’s in a label? Rethinking how we talk about gender-based violence. The Conversation. Retrieved December 14, 2025 from https://theconversation.com/whats-in-a-label-rethinking-how-we-talk-about-gender-based-violence-270650
The Lifesaving Work of Gender-Based Violence Animal Safekeeping Programs
O'Neill, S. (2025). The lifesaving work of gender-based violence animal safekeeping programs. Canadian Animal Shelter & Community Medicine Association. Retrieved September 16, 2025 from https://www.cascma.org/the-lifesaving-work-of-gender-based-violence-animal-safekeeping-programs/
Supporting Survivors with Animals in Contexts of Intimate Partner Violence
O’Neill, S., Dulude, C., Ferreira, J., Duncan, K., & Lalonde, D. (2024). Supporting Survivors with Animals in Contexts of Intimate Partner Violence. Learning Network Issue 42. London, Ontario: Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children
Registered early childhood educators’ (RECEs) perceptions of children who exhibit challenging behaviours in the classroom
Chow, D., DiNardo, C., Garthson, A. N., Kwok, O. L. H., O’Neill, S. E., Quan-McGimpsey, S. (2015). Registered early childhood educators’ (RECEs) perceptions of children who exhibit challenging behaviours in the classroom. Interaction, 29(2), 27-30.
CONTACT
susaneoneill@hotmail.com
Nova Scotia
