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Morgan R. Quinn
Abstract
Since the 1960s connections have been made between cases of domestic violence and cases of
animal abuse. The aim of this paper is to examine the connection between the two based off of
many research studies completed. Research also includes a personal survey and interview.
Evidence within graphs will also allow research to be better examined. Background information
and legal action taken will also be taken into consideration within the paper. Results of studies
conducted show there is a strong connection between the two factors and examples to prove its
findings.
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Domestic violence is a known issue all around the world, but can animals somehow be in
connection with this issue? Domestic violence seems to be sometimes brushed under the rug as a
discussion that is not openly talked about due to the content which will arise. Although animals,
something that most people have an experience or connection with, can be included in the topic.
This may make the discussion a bit more personal, relatable, and questionable. Many popular
organizations provide access to information regarding the connection between domestic violence
and animals. The Emory Law Journal published the article, The Abuse of Animals as a Method
of Domestic Violence: The Need for Criminalization (Upadhya 2014), which states research has
shown that an abusive household often contains more than one victim, and that an abuser is
likely to harm both his intimate partner and domestic animals in the home. The Journal of
Social Work Education published the article, Domestic Violence and Animal Cruelty: Untangling
the Web of Abuse (Faver & Strand 2003), which reviews research how human and animal
welfare organizations may strengthen prevention efforts and service. This paper examines
research conducted regarding the connection between domestic violence and animal abuse.
Background
In order to understand the connection between domestic violence and animal abuse, a
background of the two factors must first be established. The first factor to be examined is
domestic violence. Domestic violence can be defined as abusive behavior in any relationship
which creates a pattern in order to gain or maintain control over another person. The abuse can
range from physical, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats against another
person. The abuser, the person committing the act of domestic violence, can intimidate,
manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound
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another individual. Domestic violence can occur despite different factors of race, age, sexual
orientation, religion, gender, socioeconomic backgrounds, and education levels. It does not
matter whether those partners involved are same-sex or opposite-sex, married, living together, or
just dating. Domestic violence can also produce a dramatic effect on others besides those directly
involved. Examples of others affected include family members, friends, co-workers, witnesses,
and the community. According to The United States Department of Justice, Children who grow
up witnessing domestic violence, are among those seriously affected by this crime. Frequent
exposure to violence in the home not only predisposes children to numerous social and physical
problems, but also teaches them that violence is a normal way of life- therefore increasing their
The second factor to be examined is animal abuse. Animal abuse, also known as animal
cruelty or animal neglect, can be defined as a person committing an act of violence towards an
animal or not caring for an animal responsibly. Animal abuse can be broken up into two separate
categories, intentional cruelty and neglect. Intentional cruelty occurs when an individual will
inflict physical harm or injury on an animal purposely. Individuals who are caught committing
intentional cruelty will be arrested but are usually not prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Neglect occurs when an individual denies an animal of the basic necessities of life such as fresh
water and food, shelter, or veterinary care. Neglect is usually a result of ignorance on the
individuals part and is handled by the requirement of the owner to correct the situation. In both
cases, animals are mostly considered an object or property to control instead of an actual life.
Intentional cruelty is usually far more dramatic and shocking compared to neglect. Intentional
cruelty can also be a red flag to an underlying human behavior problem. For purposes of
research, this paper will focus on intentional cruelty rather than neglect.
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Studies Conducted
Over the last few decades, there have been multiple studies regarding the connection
between domestic violence and animal abuse. Margaret Mead, an anthropologist, was one of the
first to produce the idea that childhood animal cruelty might be an indicator of antisocial
violence in adulthood in the early 1960s. Child protection organizations also stemmed from
organizations dedicated the protection of animals. A study produced by Ascione (2000) discussed
the presence of animal cruelty in a sample of battered and non-battered women. The sample
consisted of 100 women and all owned pets. According to the data, 54% percent of the battered
women and 5% of the non-battered women reported that their partner had injured or killed their
pets. Also, 62% of the women reported that children were exposed to the abuse of the animals.
Another large study conducted in Canada showed similar findings. The Ontario Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Canada, studied 21 women seeking assistance from abusive
relationships. Data revealed that 44% of these women had already witnessed the abuse or killing
of their pets by the abuser and 43% reported concern for the safety of their pets prevented them
from seeking help or leaving the abusive situation earlier. Other studies include, but are not
limited to, Arkow (1995) which revealed women seeking refuge, restraining orders, or
counseling due to domestic violence, had observed animal cruelty in their home, Quinlisk (1995)
and Renzetti (1992) which both published studies regarding the connection between domestic
violence and animal abuse in the home. In 2008, The Chicago Police Department also compiled
their own statistics of offenders who committed crimes against animals along with other crimes
they had committed. Their statistics showed that over 50% of offenders who had committed
crimes against animals, had also committed battery-related violent offense charges (see
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Appendix Figure 1). Other charges committed by offenders of animal abuse included firearms
For the first part of my personal and primary research, I formulated and conducted a
survey, Making the Connection Survey, regarding the publics general knowledge of domestic
violence, animal abuse and if individuals were aware of the connection between the two (see
Appendix Figure 2). The survey was anonymous and distributed online via Facebook and email
with a total of 10 participants. According to research findings, over 50% of subjects believed that
they were generally knowledgeable regarding the basics of domestic violence and animal abuse.
When asked if they believed animal abuse was connected to domestic violence, 40% agreed
there was a connection, 20% believed there was somewhat of a connection, and 40% were
unsure of the connection. Another component of the survey consisted of the statement, If an
individual engages in animal abuse, they are most likely to engage in domestic violence, 60% of
participants agreed. Research findings also consisted of 20% of participants agreeing that
domestic violence victims are more likely to stay in abusive situations when the safety of their
pets is at stake. In conclusion of my findings, the sample collected shows that the public is aware
of the elements of domestic violence and animal abuse but unsure how to make the connection
between the two. Something I was also unaware of before embarking on this report.
Interview
For the second half of personal research, a face-to-face interview was conducted with an
El Paso community member who has dealt with both domestic violence and animal abuse first
hand. Victoria Aguirre, 19, has given written consent to have her name and interview findings
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published for research. Miss. Aguirre was in an abusive relationship with her ex-fianc, who will
remain anonymous. Her ex-fianc apparently struggled with anger issues since he was a child
until she met him into adulthood. Miss. Aguirre stated, I remember the first time he put his
hands on me, it was about 6 months into our relationship and he just snapped. She claims to
have always noticed a hot temper with her partner but no physical abuse. Before the relationship
between Miss. Aguirre and her partner turned physically violent, she witnessed him throwing her
kitten from across the room against a wall. She stated, He just picked up my kitten and threw
her against the wall because she had urinated on the rug. I had never seen him do anything like
that. After this incident, her partner turned into her abuser and the violence continued to escalate
against her and her pet. Not only did physical violence escalate, but verbal abuse escalated as
well. She believes that if an individual shows signs of abuse or hatred towards animals, they have
a greater chance of turning into an abuser in the household. She has since sought assistance and
is no longer in danger of an abusive relationship. She also feels the need for the community to be
Two important questions to examine are how and why abusers choose to hurt animals and
use them against domestic violence victims. Abusers choose to batter animals for many reasons.
Some reasons include, demonstrating power and control over the family, isolating the victim and
children, enforce submission, perpetuate an environment of fear, prevent the victim from leaving
or convince victim to return, or to punish for leaving or showing independence. Studies show
that one in four battered women say she stayed with the abuser because the fear of leaving their
animals behind. Now, around the world, many animal protection programs and human welfare
programs are starting to work hand in hand in order to better protect the community from
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situations of abuse. For example, in Scotland, The Pet Fostering Service Scotland (PFSS) and
Scottish Womens Aid (SWA) have joined as one in order to accommodate women and families
seeking assistance and shelter. If the household has pets, these two organizations work together
to have animals fostered by PFSS. Domestic violence shelters now make sure they incorporate
pets in their safety planning and work with legislatures to include pets in Orders of Protection.
Shelters and organizations also hope to educate judges about the seriousness of this issue.
Although there are many questions which still arise with this, such as, What happens when the
abuser comes back to claim the animal? Organizations around the world continue to join forces
with more understanding of the deep connection between animal abuse and domestic violence.
Notorious Killers
Evidence of violence and animal abuse can also be validated by showing the connection
it makes with serial killers. Robert K. Ressler, develops profiles of serial killers for the Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Ressler states, Murderers very often start out by killing and
torturing animals as kids. For example, Albert DeSalvo, known as the Boston Strangler, killed
13 women. Prior to his serial killings, DeSalvo would trap dogs and cats and shoot arrows at
them through boxes in his youth. Jeffrey Dahmer, a widely known serial killer, used to impale
the heads of frogs, cats, and dogs on sticks. Dennis Radar, also known as the BTK killer, hanged
a dog and a cat during his early childhood. Lee Boyd Malvo, a convicted sniper who killed 10
people with a rifle, would pelt and kill numerous cats with marbles when he was around the age
of 14. Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, were the Columbine High School students who shot and
killed 12 students before committing suicide. Fellow survivor classmates, spoke of the tales the
two men would mention of the mutilation of animals they would engage in. Other high school
students who turned killer, Kip Kinkel and Luke Woodham, had similar backgrounds. These are
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just a few of the many examples of animal abusers who turned serial killer. The connection
between animal abuse and domestic violence can be greatly seen in these types of cases.
Legal Action
The first major law to help government agencies and victim advocates work together to
battle domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes committed against women, is the
Violence against Women Act. This act created many benefits for women such as violence
prevention programs in communities, protection for those evicted due to domestic violence or
stalking, funding victim assistance services centers, and also legal aid. Also, the Family Violence
Prevention and Services Act provides funding for victims and children such as providing shelter
and related help. The FVPSA has formulated grants, created the National Domestic Violence
Hotline, and created the program The Domestic Violence Prevention Enhancements and
Leadership through Alliances Program. Animals have also gained various rights and
taken from the abusive or neglectful home and the abuser will be prosecuted accordingly. Other
laws require that an individual attend a proper animal care class after an offense.
Conclusion
At the end of research through primary studies and studies previously recorded, it can be
concluded that animal abuse plays a dramatic role in the event of domestic violence. Much
research has already been conducted but more research needs to be conducted in future studies in
order to better protect the welfare of animals and the community. With better research and
findings, states and cities can work to create legislation that protects both animals and
individuals in cases such as these. The public is not as informed with this type of situation as it
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should be. For example, the results from my personal survey conducted validates the community
being uninformed. Advocacy groups for the life of animals and the life of humans should
promote the connection between one another to better educate the community. If the connection
is widely known, more lives can be helped and saved. With a greater knowledge of the
connection, organizations and shelters can join together which will guarantee more domestic
violence victims seeking assistance. Since, as mentioned previously, most domestic violence
victims do not seek attention due to the safety concerns of their household pets. Also, if the
connection is greater known, the community may be able to recognize signs of childhood abuse
or intervene when a child is committing acts of violence towards animals. If the act of violence
towards animals is recognized when the child is young and is put to a stop, that child will be less
likely to commit an act of domestic violence through adulthood. This will benefit the community
References
Animal Abuse and Human Abuse: Partners in Crime. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.peta.org/issues/companion-animal-issues/companion-animals-factsheets/animal-
abuse-human-abuse-partners-crime/
Becker, F., & French, L. (2004). Making the links: child abuse, animal cruelty and domestic
Charles, S. (2010, June). The Animal-Cruelty Syndrome. The New York Times Magazine.
violence
Faver, C. A., & Strand, E. L. (2003). Domestic Violence and Animal Cruelty: Untangling the
Upadhya, V. (2014). The Abuse of Animals as a Method of Domestic Violence: The Need for
pets/animal-cruelty/aspca-animal-cruelty-fact/
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Appendix
Figure 1.