A study of college students from New Providence, The Bahamas, identifies a link between domestic violence (at both household and personal levels) and companion animal care in Afro-Caribbean communities. Where companion animals were intentionally harmed and “not well cared for,” researchers also found evidence of other violence or deviant behavior.

Researchers found the link with domestic violence at the household level both when companion animals were intentionally harmed and when companion animals were “not well cared for,” as well as between the respondent being a victim of domestic violence and the intentional harm of companion animals. Where animals were intentionally harmed, the incidence of alcohol, drug, and/or sexual abuse were higher. This study suggests that within an Afro-Caribbean community, cross-reporting may allow identification of households where there is a greater risk of domestic violence.