Further information & resources
* CONTENT NOTICE: This website discusses family and domestic violence, and intentional harm towards animals. Please take care while reading - prioritise your wellbeing and seek support if needed.
Violence against animals, particularly intentional cruelty against a family pet, is often present in situations where there is violence against humans. This is widely referred to in family and domestic violence (FDV), academic, and law enforcement communities as 'the link'.
Studies from around the world reveal violent partners and abusers weaponise, threaten, and kill family pets to intimidate, control, and instill greater fear in their victims. An alarming number of victims reported they delayed leaving an abusive situation because they weren't able to find carers for or make arrangements to ensure the safety of their animals. Staying behind places them, their pets, and any children in the relationship at further risk of escalating violence and significant trauma.
An even more alarming number of victim-survivors who fled with their pets found they were met with the impossible decision of having to sleep rough, return to an unsafe home, or relinquish their family pet due to a lack of pet-friendly crisis accommodation and affordable housing options.
The importance of understanding and responding to the link between animal cruelty and FDV is imperative for prevention and breaking the cycle of violence.
For further information in the form of journals, websites, magazines and news articles from around the world, please explore the various links below:
A Housing Tail: Pet Friendly Crisis Accommodation
Animal Abuse and Interpersonal Violence: A Psycho-Criminological Understanding
Animal Cruelty as a Gateway Crime
Animal Welfare Principles & Philosophy
Fleeing with Fido - leaving an abusive relationship when pets are involved
Keeping Pets Safe in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence
My Saving Grace - action for animals
The link between domestic violence and animal abuse
The Link: Interpersonal Violence and Abuse and Animal Safekeeping
Veterinary Practitioners' Response to Animal Abuse Cases in South Korea
Voice For The Animals Foundation - Abuse Prevention