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Evidence of the links between child abuse, animal abuse and domestic violence is drawn mainly from studies in the USA, which relate to cases of serious abuse. There is also a growing research base in the United Kingdom.
Key findings include the following:
- If a child is cruel to animals this may be an indicator that serious neglect or abuse has been inflicted on the child
- While recent research in the UK suggests that animal abuse by children is quite widespread, in a minority of more extreme cases it appears to be associated with abuse of the child, or subsequent abusive behaviour by the child
- Where serious animal abuse has occurred in a household there may be an increased likelihood that some other form of family violence is also occurring and that any children present may also be at increased risk of abuse
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- Acts of animal abuse may in some circumstances be used to coerce, control and intimidate women and children to remain in, or be silent about, their abusive situation
- The threat or actual abuse of a pet can prevent women leaving situations of domestic violence
- Sustained childhood cruelty to animals has been linked to an increased likelihood of violent behaviour against humans in adulthood
- If a child exhibits extreme aggressive or sexualised behaviour toward animals this may in some cases be associated with later abuse of other children or vulnerable adults unless the behaviour is recognised and treated
From these and other studies it appears that animal abuse can be a part of a constellation of family violence, which can include child abuse and domestic violence. However, this does not imply that children who are cruel to animals necessarily go on to be violent adults or that adults who harm animals are necessarily also violent to their partners and/or children. Investigation and/or assessment are key to determining whether there are any links between these factors and the possible risks to the safety and welfare of children, adults and animals.
Why is this issue important?
Abuse to children, vulnerable adults or animals can have damaging and devastating effects for both the victims, their families and wider society. Policy and practice based on knowledge of the links may enable professionals to intervene earlier in order to detect or prevent abuse to children, vulnerable adults and/or animals.
In order to achieve this it is essential that arrangements for co-operation and communication between the relevant statutory and voluntary organisations are developed or enhanced. Traditionally organisations that work with children or animals have been quite separate in the UK.
- From: "Understanding the links - child abuse, animal abuse and domestic violence: Information for professionals" UK National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
For the full article and references, visit www.nspcc.org.uk
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