Pets and domestic violence
There is increasing research and clinical evidence which suggests that there are sometimes inter-relationships, commonly referred to as ‘the links’, between the abuse of children, vulnerable adults and animals. 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.
A better understanding of these links can help to protect victims, both human and animal, and promote their welfare. There is now increasing co-operation and cross-referral among child and animal protection professionals who have recognised these links. The body of evidence linking animal abuse to human violence is also growing.
Recommended reading
Professor Frank Ascione and Dr Phil Arkow, have published extensively in this field and their papers and publications are highly recommended.
Phil Arkow is currently Chairman, Animal Abuse and Family Violence Prevention Project, The Latham Foundation and Interim Director – Human Animal Bond, American Humane Association.
Frank Ascione is Professor, Dept of Psychology, Utah State University
Phil Arkow has prepared an up-to-date, comprehensive bibliography of research papers, conference reports and books on the subject. This is an excellent resource for anyone looking for information on “The Links”
http://www.animaltherapy.net/Bibliography-Link.html
Ascione, F.R. 2005. Children and Animals: Exploring the Roots of Kindness and Cruelty. Purdue University Press. ISBN 1557533830
Ascione, F.R. and Arkow, P. 1998. Prevention and Intervention in Child Abuse, Domestic Violence and Animal Abuse: Linking the Circles of Compassion. Purdue University Press. ISBN 1557531439
Ascione, F.R. and Arkow, P. (Eds.) (1999). Child Abuse, Domestic Violence and Animal Abuse: Linking the Circles of Compassion for Prevention and Intervention. Purdue University Press.
Lockwood, R. and Ascione, F. R. (Eds.). 1998. Cruelty to Animals and Interpersonal Violence: Readings in Research and Application. Purdue University Press.
Particularly relevant to the UK:
Understanding the links: child abuse, animal abuse and domestic violence: A leaflet for professionals working with children, families or animals. Available to download from NSPCC.
Becker, F. 2001. The links between child abuse and animal abuse. London: National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
Becker, F., & French, L. 2004. Making the links: Child abuse, animal cruelty, and domestic violence. Child Abuse Review 13, 399-414.
Munro, H. M.C. 1996. Battered pets. Irish Veterinary Journal 49, 712-713.
Munro, H. M.C. 1998. The battered pet syndrome. In, P. Olson, ed.: Recognizing and Reporting Animal Abuse: A Veterinarian's Guide. American Humane Association.
Munro, H. M.C. and Thrusfield, M. V. 2001a. 'Battered pets': features that raise suspicion of non-accidental injury. Journal of Small Animal Practice 42:218-226 (May).
Munro, H. M.C. & Thrusfield, M. V. (2001b). 'Battered pets': non-accidental physical injuries found in dogs and cats. Journal of Small Animal Practice 42: 279-290 (June).
Munro, H. M.C. & Thrusfield, M. V. (2001c). 'Battered pets': sexual abuse. Journal of Small Animal Practice 42: 333-337 (July).
Munro, H. M.C. & Thrusfield, M. V. (2001d). 'Battered pets': Munchausen syndrome by proxy (factitious illness by proxy). Journal of Small Animal Practice 42: 385-389 (August).
Useful links
American Humane Association (www.americanhumane.org)
US-based organisation, works to protect children and animals. Site contains useful information on "The Link", including on-line resources and very useful bibliographies.
The Latham Foundation (www.latham.org)
US-based organisation, providing information on humane education, the links between child abuse, animal abuse and domestic violence, the human-companion animal bond and animal-assisted therapy.
US-based organisation that offers resources and training on animal-assisted activities and therapy, as well as excellent bibliography on the "links" between animal abuse, child abuse and domestic violence
Particularly relevant to the UK
UK-based organisation, comprises leading associations and charitable organisations in the fields of human and animal welfare. Since its inception, the group has successfully worked together to promote the links between child abuse, animal abuse and domestic violence.
The Links Group hosted their inaugural one-day conference in Uxbridge on 16 May 2007. The conference, entitled 'Violence at Home: The links between child abuse, animal abuse and domestic violence' was very well attended. Speaker presentations are still available to download at The Links Group