| Many studies have documented strong links between | | | | Since many times an investigation of a report of |
| animal abuse and other forms of violence against | | | | animal abuse may be the initial report to law |
| humans. Children who maim or kill animals are | | | | enforcement, animal cruelty investigators in many |
| frequently victims of abuse themselves, and many | | | | cities are trained to recognize and report potential |
| grow up to become violent criminals. There is a | | | | abuse against human family members. |
| significant correlation between domestic violence | | | | In recognition of the close link between family |
| against spouses and/or children and abuse of family | | | | violence and animal abuse, more and more |
| pets. Many battered spouses remain in these | | | | organizations are establishing "safe haven" programs |
| dangerous home situations for fear their pets may | | | | for pets whose owners must leave abusive domestic |
| be harmed or killed if they leave. As more | | | | relationships. These programs are designed to provide |
| organizations for battered spouses are recognizing | | | | temporary foster care for pets while domestic |
| animal abuse as a significant problem, more options | | | | violence victims get back on their feet and |
| are becoming available to protect both spouses and | | | | re-establish a new life. They then reunite pets with |
| pets. | | | | their families. Some domestic violence shelters offer |
| As reported by the American Humane document | | | | pet care on-site, while others may have relationships |
| "Facts about Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence", | | | | with local shelters, foster home programs or |
| several studies indicate that in at least 65% of all | | | | veterinarians. All are geared towards recognizing the |
| reported domestic violence cases, women had also | | | | strong bond between pets and people and trying to |
| reported killing, injuring or maiming of their pets. This | | | | protect both animals and domestic abuse victims. The |
| is frequently done in front of the abused women and | | | | Safe Harbor Foundation is just one program that |
| their children, and in some cases the children | | | | operates nationally to help people and animals find |
| themselves contribute to the abuse of pets, primarily | | | | safety and establish abuse-free lives. |
| out of fear. | | | | For more information, visit American Humane's Pets |
| As part of a front-line recognition of this ongoing | | | | and Women's Shelters (PAWS)(R) Program. Other |
| problem, in many communities law enforcement and | | | | information is available from the Humane Society of |
| animal services agencies work together to be able to | | | | the United States, the ASPCA, or local shelters in |
| better recognize situations where a case of animal | | | | your area. |
| abuse may point to domestic violence or vice versa. | | | | |