Animal Abuse And Interpersonal Violence

Violence against animals has been found to occur where there is also violence against female intimate partners, children, and siblings. A battered pet may be a sign that other types of violence are occurring in the family. In fact, the relationship between animal abuse, domestic abuse and interpersonal violence is often referred to as the “tangled web of abuse.” Studies reveal that a significant proportion of abuse victims (71%) report that their batterer has also abused an animal (Degue and Dilillo, 2008). Up to 75 percent of domestic violence victims report that their partners threatened or killed family pets.
Studies suggest that animal abuse may be an indication of more serious forms of interpersonal abuse. And, especially in light of the fact that animal abuse is a criterion used in the diagnosis of conduct disorder among children and adolescents, animal abuse among adults may prove an important factor through which to predict co-occurrence …show more content…
The largest single survey to date of serial killers found; 36 percent admitted to committing animal cruelty as children; 46 percent admitted to committing animal cruelty as adolescents; 36 percent admitted to committing animal cruelty as adults (Ressler, Burgess, and Douglas, 1988).
Women seeking refuge at shelters due to violent relationships report their pets provided an important source of emotional support and companionship as they dealt with abuse. Many battered women also described forming bonds with companion animals that were similarly victimized. Batterers may use animal abuse as a means of terrorizing and controlling their families, especially when a victim exhibits a strong emotional attachment to her pet. Where a close bond exists between a pet and battered spouse, harm or threat of harm to the pet can be used to control, intimidate, coerce and silence the victim (Flynn,