Is There a Link Between Domestic Violence and Animal Abuse?
A disturbing study will be released this year in Australia. It was conducted by Monash University. Involved in the study were 102 women from abusive relationships and 102 women with no history of abuse (control group). There have been numerous studies of domestic violence, child abuse and animal abuse. This research documented the connection between these three forms of abuse and was the first of its kind in that country.
53% of the women in violent relationships reported their pets had also been abused. Only 6% of women in the control group stated their pets had been harmed, and in most cases the harm was accidental. 33% of the women stated they delayd leaving the violent relationship out of concern for the safety of their pets. Their fears are understandable as 17% of the households with domestic violence reported their pets had actually been killed. Whereas no pets were killed in the control group.
Some of the examples cited were a bird that had its head cut off for singing too much and a cat that was put in a microwave oven. The abuse and murder included all types of animals including fish, birds and farm animals. Previous research shows that many murderers and hard criminals have histories of animal abuse. Perhaps it is time for us to take a closer look at those in our society who abuse innocent and helpless animals.
What was also disturbing about this study is that 29% of the animal abuse cases were witnessed by the children in the family. Past studies indicate that children who witness abusive acts are more likely to become abusers. This makes me question if we have done enough to punish or help children from families when there is documented evidence they are abusive toward animals. What do you think?
The info about this study was taken from an article written by Caroline Marcus and Melissa Kent. It was published on theage.com.au. I do not claim to be an expert but I do think the link between these 3 types of abuse is not limited to Australia.
53% of the women in violent relationships reported their pets had also been abused. Only 6% of women in the control group stated their pets had been harmed, and in most cases the harm was accidental. 33% of the women stated they delayd leaving the violent relationship out of concern for the safety of their pets. Their fears are understandable as 17% of the households with domestic violence reported their pets had actually been killed. Whereas no pets were killed in the control group.
Some of the examples cited were a bird that had its head cut off for singing too much and a cat that was put in a microwave oven. The abuse and murder included all types of animals including fish, birds and farm animals. Previous research shows that many murderers and hard criminals have histories of animal abuse. Perhaps it is time for us to take a closer look at those in our society who abuse innocent and helpless animals.
What was also disturbing about this study is that 29% of the animal abuse cases were witnessed by the children in the family. Past studies indicate that children who witness abusive acts are more likely to become abusers. This makes me question if we have done enough to punish or help children from families when there is documented evidence they are abusive toward animals. What do you think?
The info about this study was taken from an article written by Caroline Marcus and Melissa Kent. It was published on theage.com.au. I do not claim to be an expert but I do think the link between these 3 types of abuse is not limited to Australia.
