THE LINK

Over the past 35 years, researchers have established significant correlations between animal cruelty and other family violence, including child abuse, domestic violence, and elder abuse. This research on “The LINK” confirms what professionals in a variety of human services and animal welfare disciplines have witnessed for decades – animal cruelty does not occur in a vacuum.

The mistreatment of animals is therefore no longer seen as an isolated incident that can be ignored. Instead, it is often an a “red flag” that other family members in the household may not be safe or a predictor of future violent behavior by the perpetrator. Research has shown that many serial killers and school shooters committed their first acts of violence against animals.

It is important for all responders and advocates in multiple disciplines to recognize abuse and understand the importance of reporting suspected abuse. 

(Courtesy of Texas Humane Legislative Network)

 More about the Link

The National Link Coalition is a multi-disciplinary, collaborative initiative to increase awareness and address public policy, programs and research. The Coalition’s goal is to stop the cycle of violence that often affects multiple family members. To achieve this critical goal, the Coalition provides information and resources through its website and lists upcoming trainings and conferences about The Link. It also collects information about federal, state, and local legislative efforts to address The Link, such as bills aiming to include pets in domestic violence protective orders, increasing penalties for perpetrators of animal cruelty, and allowing or mandating cross-reporting for human services and animal welfare professionals.  The monthly National Link Coalition newsletter often reveals the life-saving importance of Cross-Reporting.