“When animals are abused, people are at risk.
When people are abused, animals are at risk.”
– National Link Coalition
Animal Abuse:
LEVI examines every angle of violence prevention. One that is often overlooked is the connection between animal abuse and family violence. Often referred to as “the link,” this correlation between human violence and animal abuse is well-researched and documented. In fact, the connection is so strong, that many communities have formed collaborations between human service agencies and animal welfare workers to ensure the safety of both animals and humans.
LEVI relies on veterinarians and animal care workers in our community to serve as first responders regarding all family violence. We kindly ask animal welfare workers to recognize the signs, respond with confidence, and refer those involved in potentially abusive situations to local resources. This area of our website will help the community understand the correlation between family violence and animal abuse by highlighting relevant research and sharing useful resources.
Facts:
• 71% of domestic violence victims reported that their abusers also targeted pets by hurting, killing, or threatening their pets to control them and their children.
• 7 out of 10 victims of domestic violence will stay in a violent situation to protect their pets.
• 85% of women and 63% of children entering shelters discussed incidents of pet abuse in the family.
• 16% of offenders started abusing animals and graduated to violent crimes against humans. Animal cruelty is a warning sign for at-risk youth.
• Witnesses or victims are often more comfortable talking about animal abuse than human violence.
Ask…it could be the start of a larger conversation that saves lives.
Articles:
- National Link Coalition
- The Link Between Animal Cruelty and Human Violence
- FBI Begins Tracking Animal Abuse, 4/27/16
- Understanding the Link Between Animal Abuse and Family Violence
- Vulnerable Connections: Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence
- Police give child new pet after man kills 2 rabbits in domestic violence attack (2017)
Need to leave an abusive relationship? Concerned your partner may harm or kill your pets? There is help. Please contact the Longmont Humane Society at 303-772-1232 or visit them at 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont.
For additional information and resources, please email or call LEVI at 303-774-4534.