03/09/22
Toolkit
Over the past 25 years, researchers from many academic disciplines, and professionals working in both humane and human services, have established significant correlations between animal abuse, child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse, and other forms of interpersonal violence. Abuse of all vulnerable members of the family is interconnected and part of a cycle of violence. When animals are abused or neglected, it is a warning sign that others in the household may not be safe and a “red flag” marking individuals whose acts of violence may escalate in range and severity. Children who witness animal cruelty are at a greater risk of becoming abusers themselves and of perpetuating the cycles of violence.