Animal Abuse as a Type of Trauma: Lessons for Human and Animal Service Professionals

Abstract

Animal abuse frequently occurs at the same time and the same place as other types of violence, particularly family violence. Because of that close association, this article proposes that it is the responsibility of both animal service and human service professionals to be aware of its occurrence, understand its significance, and promote appropriate professional and policy responses to it. Research literature addressing the link between animal abuse and other forms of violence (“the link”) is discussed. Articles selected for review were published in a peer-reviewed journal, relevant to some aspect of the link between animal abuse and child abuse and/or domestic violence, used either a national or a longitudinal database, or relied on random sampling or a comparison group. If a study was retrospective or drawn from a convenience sample, it had to have been replicated by another study for inclusion. Finally, any measurement instruments used by the study under review must have had acceptable reliability and validity. Legal databases, such as LexisNexis, were used to identify legislation that has been passed and/or court cases that have been decided that were relevant to the topic of “the link.” Strong associations were found between domestic violence, child abuse, and animal abuse; animal abuse, whether witnessed or committed, is a form of trauma. Severe animal abuse as a predictor for severe domestic violence recently emerged as a promising association. However, some of these findings on “the link” have not been translated into practice, for example, domestic violence advocates and child protection workers frequently do not ask questions about pets in the family. At the same time, the past 20 years have seen an increase in state and federal legislation and policies that have been enacted, in part, because of the growing body of evidence on the link. Knowledge of the link also has influenced a number of court cases deciding parental rights. Moreover, awareness of the link is illustrated by the passage of pet protection orders for victims of domestic violence as well as the inclusion of pet abuse as a form of domestic violence. Human service and animal service professionals should articulate more ways in which they can communicate with one another, thus adding more information and resources to any intervention or treatment of family violence.

Primary school education resources on conservation in New Zealand over-emphasise killing of non-native mammals

“…The de facto educational policy and resources by government agencies therefore appear to be at odds with those mandated by the Ministry of Education. This is problematic given that there is a well-established link between children abusing animals and becoming abusers of human and nonhuman animals as adults (Flynn 2011;Randour et al, 2019).…”

“…Seeing peers abuse animals was the strongest predictor for later animal abuse, followed by seeing parents abuse animals. Randour et al (2019) summarise studies showing how the ages at which children witness animal abuse is correlated with the age at which they become animal abusers themselves. There was a stronger relationship between witnessing animal abuse and becoming an animal abuser if the abuse was witnessed more than once, or if the individual abusing animals in front of the child was a friend, relative, parent or sibling (Gullone 2014;Randour et al, 2019).…”

Animal abuse and family violence: Reflections from workshopping with veterinary students

“…Both international and national studies have identified that animals are commonly harmed or killed as a form of family violence and a significant number of women and their children remain in abusive relationships due to concerns for the safety of their pets/animals (Bright et al, 2018;Haden et al, 2018;Roguksi, 2012;Williams et al, 2008). Recognition of this link between animal abuse and family violence has led to a call for greater awareness, and for more interprofessional training, education and cross-referral between human and animal welfare professionals (Holcombe et al, 2016;Newland et al, 2019;Randour et al, 2019;Strand et al, 2012;Williams et al, 2008). Despite the prolific research correlating interpersonal violence, family violence, and child and adult animal cruelty mentioned, challenges for cross-sector reporting are still hindered by the separation of animal and human welfare when it comes to intervention (Long et al, 2007).…”

“…Veterinarians have been identified as potential frontline professionals to recognise and intervene in animal abuse and family violence (Newland et al, 2019;Randour et al, 2019) but they will need to have greater access to resources and continuing education to build confidence in dealing with animal abuse and its association with family violence. Recent research has advocated for ongoing cooperation, coordination, cross-training and consultation between human service and animal service professionals (Randour et al, 2019). Interprofessional collaborations are bolstered through the ability of social workers and academics to analyse, develop and utilise their collaborative skills to empower interprofessional teams.…”

Just Love Me, Feed Me, Never Leave Me: Understanding Pet Food Anxiety, Feeding and Shopping Behavior of US Pet Owners in Covidian Times

“…The tenets of the Glansville et al (2020) model corroborated previous studies addressing non-compliant pet owners [ 40 ] who do not provide regular and good quality care for their pets. These owners engage in active pet cruelty [ 41 , 42 , 43 ] and passive cruelty, such as failing to provide physical activity, regular feed, grooming and veterinary visits [ 44 ].…”