Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence
What is The Link?
​"A correlation between animal abuse, family violence and other forms of community violence has long been established. Philosophers and educators have been describing the connections between animal abuse and interpersonal violence since the 14th century. Child and animal protection professionals have recognized the association, noting that abuse of both children and animals is connected in a self-perpetuating cycle of violence. When animals in a home are abused or neglected, it is a warning sign that others in the household may not be safe. In addition, children who witness animal abuse are at a greater risk of becoming abusers themselves."
-American Humane Society
Animal abuse, cruelty and neglect are often considered isolated incidents completely separated from other forms of family violence. Today, professionals involved with victims of family violence aren't surprised when they learn that often these acts are linked, and that various agencies are working with the same families. They see animal abuse as a sentinel indicator, “the tip of the iceberg” and often the first sign of other family and community violence. Intentional abuse in any form should be taken seriously. Knowing that there is a link, agencies involved in preventing family violence need to work together for a more effective, species-spanning response. Because when animals are abused, people are at risk. And when people are abused animals, are at risk.​
Up to 70% of domestic violence victims have pets, and up to 65% of domestic violence victims delay leaving a dangerous situation because they don't know where to place or how to protect their pets.
In addition to causing pain and suffering to the animals, animal abuse can be a sentinel indicator and predictor — one of the earliest ”red flag” warning signs of concurrent or future violent acts. Abusers and impressionable children who witness or perpetrate abuse become desensitized to violence and the ability to empathize with victims. Abuse is often cyclical and inter-generational. The earlier professionals can intervene to break the cycles of violence, the higher the rate of success.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
When asked why someone doesn't report an animal incident to authorities, a common answer we hear is, "Fear of retaliation." Knowing the link between animal abuse and other forms of abuse that may be happening in the home, would you feel more compelled to take action? We're not saying that your next door neighbor us a child abuser, but ignoring a red flag – like animal abuse – could be a matter of life and death for others in that home. ​
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Additionally, this is one of the reasons why having pathways to responsible pet ownership is critical. And while surrendering an animal may not be considered "responsible" to some, we believe in leading with compassion and not judgment – and surrendering may be the most responsible option a person has. Up to 65% of domestic violence victims delay leaving a dangerous situation because they don't have a safe place for their animal. A completely full shelter could be the reason a person remains in that dangerous situation.
With shelters and rescues at capacity and no place to house animals that are retrieved from a violent situation, we've caught wind of incidents that were reported, but not responded to. Obviously this is not something we defend, however, it does raise the issue that we have far more animals than we have resources to support them. If you find yourself in a situation where you've expressed a concern and nothing has been done... escalate, escalate, escalate! Delivery is key and it's important to express any concern in a respectful manner, but we urge you to be persistent.