NCJ Number
169509
Journal
Protecting Children Volume: 13 Issue: 2 Dated: (1997) Pages: 4-9
Date Published
1997
Length
6 pages
Annotation
A literature search reveals a growing number of references to linkages between cruelty to animals and other forms of antisocial behavior and family violence; this has implications for interagency cooperation in the detection and investigation of child abuse and cruelty to animals.
Abstract
The system of child protective services as we know it today was an off-shoot of the animal protection movement, and the two professions have followed parallel evolutions for more than a century. In recent years, domestic violence intervention programs have also begun to recognize animal abuse as being not only potentially predictive of violent behaviors against humans, but also as part of the constellation of dysfunctional family symptomatology. Abuse against animals, when perpetrated or observed by juveniles, has a pernicious capability of evolving into generalized desensitization to violence and into acts of violence in adulthood. Children who observe domestic violence may imitate abusive behaviors through violent acts against animals. For these reasons, domestic violence prevention agencies should interface with animal protection organizations to explore common interests and opportunities for professional interactions, including referrals, community awareness programs, cross- training, and joint service programs. 1 table and 38 references