A recent study published in People and Animals: The International Journal of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations has uncovered how therapy dogs can provide comfort and support to survivors of domestic violence.
This research, led by John R. Chapin, professor emeritus of communications at Penn State Beaver, highlights the powerful impact that therapy dogs can have on those facing trauma and fear.
Chapin, who passed away before the study’s publication, was deeply committed to violence prevention and dedicated much of his life to helping survivors of domestic violence.
The study explored three main areas where therapy dogs are making a difference: in educational settings, during counseling sessions, and even in courtrooms.
The research was conducted at Crisis Center North (CCN), a nonprofit organization in Allegheny County that provides counseling and support to domestic violence survivors.
Chapin’s wife, Grace A. Coleman, who is also the CEO of CCN, co-authored the paper and shared insights on how these animals help to break down barriers for survivors seeking help.
One part of the study looked at how pet ownership affects children and teenagers who are part of educational programs at CCN.
Although owning a pet did not significantly improve mental health overall, it did help young people develop stronger coping skills. This is important because children who can cope better with stress and adversity are less likely to turn to harmful behaviors like substance abuse or self-harm.
The researchers believe that therapy animals could be an effective tool in helping children navigate difficult situations, such as bullying or school-related stress.
The second part of the study focused on the role of therapy dogs in counseling sessions at the domestic violence center. Survivors and their families reported feeling calmer and more connected to their therapists when a therapy dog was present.
The dogs helped to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where survivors felt more comfortable opening up about their experiences. For many, this sense of comfort made counseling more effective and less intimidating.
The study also looked at how therapy dogs can help survivors feel safer and more at ease in courtroom settings. Facing an abuser in court can be incredibly stressful and frightening, but participants said that having a therapy dog by their side made the experience less overwhelming.
Some even said that they would be more willing to return for follow-up sessions if a therapy dog was present. This suggests that therapy dogs could play a significant role in encouraging survivors to continue with legal proceedings, which is often crucial for achieving justice and protection.
Grace Coleman explained that CCN staff have observed that many survivors hesitate to seek help because the process can feel intimidating. Therapy dogs offer a gentle, reassuring presence that helps break down that initial barrier. The research supports CCN’s PAWS for Empowerment Program, which uses therapy animals to create a welcoming atmosphere for survivors seeking support.
The study is a fitting tribute to Chapin’s lifelong work in violence prevention. As a survivor of childhood domestic violence himself, Chapin dedicated his career to creating positive outcomes for others facing similar struggles.
He received numerous awards for his work, including the inaugural Crime Victims Research Award from U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2022. His final publication adds to his legacy of over 70 research articles focused on violence prevention and risk perception.
Coleman described her late husband as a pioneer in the field, and this posthumous publication serves as a lasting mark of his commitment to helping survivors of domestic violence.
By highlighting the comfort and support that therapy dogs can bring to those in need, the study opens the door for more programs that harness the power of human-animal connections to promote healing and hope.
