Faunalytics.org makes use of JavaScript to operate fully, but Javascript is disabled in your browser
Image by Flickr user Mirko Olandese

First Strike: The Violence Connection

Summary By: | Published: September 2, 2011
Estimated Reading Time: < 1 minute
download report PDFLog in or sign up for access
FavoriteLoadingSave to My Library
FULL TEXT The full text of this article is available
EXTERNAL STUDY This is a summary of an external study
Violence against animals can be an indicator of other crimes such as domestic violence against humans, can expose a history of family violence, and can suggest at-risk youths.

This report compiles research addressing the links between different forms of domestic violence against animals and children. The study also goes into detail to provide definitions for concepts such as abuse, neglect, and cruelty.

The report identifies a number of reasons – underscored by the research – that animal cruelty should be taken seriously, including:

  • Animal abuse cases can reveal individuals who are engaging in other criminal activities.
  • Animal abuse cases can expose family violence.
  • Animal cruelty is a warning sign for at-risk youth.
  • People want animal cruelty to be prosecuted.

The report also highlights some of the major links between animal cruelty and other crimes that researchers have uncovered. These include:

  • Animal abuse has been consistently linked with other violent criminal behaviors.
  • Pet abuse is one of four predictors of domestic partner violence.
  • In a study of 53 families under investigation for suspected child abuse, researchers documented pet abuse in 60 percent of the families.
  • At the extreme end of the violence spectrum, serial killers and school shooters almost invariably have histories of abusing animals.
  • A survey of college sophomores revealed a link between childhood animal cruelty and a tolerance for interpersonal violence as adults.
External Link:
http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/abuse/first_st...
Meet the Author:
Faunalytics is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to helping animals by providing useful information to advocates to help them increase their impact.

Citations:

Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), 2008 Worldwide

Tags:

Companion Animals Other Topics Animal Cruelty Animal Law Attitudes English Pet Population Psychology Voting

Related Posts

an upset girl sitting with her head on her lap on a red floor

The Connection Between Domestic Violence And Animal Cruelty In Puerto Rico: An Anthropological Study

This study of Porto Rican domestic violence, with a focus on companion animals, echoed many of the same dynamics found in other countries.

In the Spotlight
cartoon abused girl sitting against a wall

The Link Between Animal Abuse And Family Violence

When animals in a home are abused it is a telling sign that the household might not be safe, with 88% of homes that had physical child abuse also had animals abused.

In the Spotlight

Animal Abuse And Interpersonal Violence: A Vet Review

Most veterinarians not being trained to intervene in cases of animal abuse and human violence, emphasizing the importance of education and action.

In the Spotlight

The Cycles Of Domestic Violence And Animal Cruelty

With supporting statistics and suggestions for advocacy, this article looks at the relationship between domestic violence and animal cruelty.

In the Spotlight
a toy cat on a railroad track

Understanding Violence Against Companion Animals And People

According to much research, violence toward animals is often tied to violence toward humans and abusive children may become abusive adults.

In the Spotlight
black and white image of a sad woman

The Abuse Of Animals And Domestic Violence

85% of women who come to shelters talk about companion animal abuse, and 83% of shelters observed coexistence of domestic violence and companion animal abuse.

In the Spotlight
a child sitting on the beach

Animal Abuse And Youth Violence

The following article contains information from a range to studies to provide links between human abuse and animal abuse whilst discussing the context that leads up to such behavior.

In the Spotlight
sad abused dog with red eyes

Examining The Links Between Animal Abuse And Human Violence

There is a great debate on whether abuse of non-human animals is linked with abuse towards humans, or if it is a non-causal link.

In the Spotlight

Domestic Violence And Animal Abuse: An Overview

Research shows that they’re closely related, and may come from mutually reinforcing causes. This dynamic has important implications for all policymakers, particularly shelters for victims of both domestic and animal abuse.

In the Spotlight
judge wooden gavel

Integrating Animals Into The Family Violence Paradigm

The author proposes using animal abuse as a systemic element of family violence law and that integrating animal welfare with human welfare would enhance interventions for all members of society.

In the Spotlight
black and white image of a sad woman

Perceptions Of Family Violence And Companion Animals

A majority of college undergraduate respondents perceived a connection between violence against children and violence against companion animals.

In the Spotlight

LGBT Relationships, Domestic Violence, And Companion Animals

The link between domestic violence and animal abuse in hetero relationships is well-established, but similar research in LGBT relationships is lacking.

In the Spotlight
Faunalytics uses cookies to provide necessary site functionality and to help us understand how you use our website. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our privacy policy.
I Agree
meerkat-emails.jpg

Don’t Miss a Thing

Faunalytics delivers the latest and most important information directly to your inbox. Choose what topics you want to see and how often you get our emails, and you can unsubscribe anytime.