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First Strike: The Violence Connection

 
Submitted on Sep 02, 2011 (Original item from 2008) | | | | |
by Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
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Short Description:
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.

Abstract:
The report identifies a number of reasons - underscored by teh 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.
The link below will begin the download of a PDF of the report.
http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/abuse/first_strike....

Spot Check Number: 1799
Sponsor: Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
Researcher/Author: Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
Record Type: Online Reference, Organizational Publication or Materials
Research Method: Literature Review
Geographic Region: Worldwide
Year Conducted: 2008
File Attachments: You must be logged in to access attachments (see login and registration links above)
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Programs to prevent or stop domestic violence and pet abuse

Submitted by patriciaca on Thu, 2011-09-08 11:17.
Calgary Humane Society in Calgary Alberta Canada has also conducted a research study into this area and found that women who had pets delayed leaving violent partners because they had nowhere to go with their pets. Following this research study in the 1990s, Calgary Humane Society founded a program called Pet Safekeeping. We provide shelter, vet care, food, socialization for pets while their owners are in a women's shelter and getting their life back on a safe foundation. This relieves women and their children of worries about their pet during this time of recovery. I believe many humane societies and SPCAs offering direct services to their communities are currently offering similiar programs. Patricia Cameron Executive Director Calgary Humane Society
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Human-Animal Bond between Domestically Abused & Companion Animal

Submitted by mcbride on Fri, 2011-09-02 19:48.
I wrote my thesis on the above title. My research reported many domestically abused women delay leaving their abuser for fear their pet(s) will be harmed and or killed. I hope my research will continue the much needed effort & study in the 'human-animal bond.' Thank you Debbie McBride CSUSM Co-founder: 4 Paws 1 Big Heart
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Human-Animal Bond...

Submitted by HRC Admin on Thu, 2011-09-08 09:35.
Thanks for your comment, Debbie. This is an incredibly important area of research and we appreciate your work. For you and other scholars interested in sharing your research, please consider contacting HRC or submitting the work to our research database.
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