People who are cruel to animals are more likely than others to be cruel to humans, too, says a 1997 report from the U.S. Humane Society. Research demonstrates that animal cruelty is one of the strongest links in the chain of family violence. When an animal is being hurt, it is a clear warning sign that suffering or abuse is taking place behind closed doors.
- In 88% of families where children are being abused, animals are being harmed, too.
- Many reports link animal abuse to the battering of women and sexual abuse of children.
- Of women seeking shelter at a safe house, 71% reported that their male partners threatened, harmed or killed their pets, and 32% of mothers said their children had done the same.
Studies also show that children who witness animal abuse are more likely to repeat the cycle. As a result of their own traumatic experiences, some abused children don't develop empathy and are unable to feel distress about hurting an animal. These children's acts of cruelty often mature into acts of violence against humans.
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