A link between animal abuse, family violence, and other forms of community violence seems to be growing stronger every day.

Many child and animal protection professionals have now recognized this link, noting that abuse of both children and animals is connected in a self-perpetuating cycle of violence.

When animals in a home are abused or neglected, it is a warning sign that others in the household may not be safe either.

In addition, children who witness animal abuse are at a greater risk of becoming abusers themselves.

How serious is this Link?

A survey of pet-owning families with substantiated child abuse and neglect found that animals were abused in 88% of homes where child physical abuse was present.

A study of women seeking shelter at a safe house showed that 71% of those having pets affirmed that their partner had threatened, hurt, or killed their companion animals, and 32% of mothers reported that their children had hurt or killed their pets.

Still another study showed that violent offenders incarcerated in a maximum-security prison were significantly more likely than nonviolent offenders to have committed childhood acts of cruelty toward animals.

I have discovered an organization that exists to stop both:  The American Humane Society.

The mission of American Humane, as a network of individuals and organizations, is to prevent cruelty, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of both children and animals and to assure that their interests and well-being are fully, effectively, and humanely guaranteed by an aware and caring society.

American Humane strives for and envisions a nation where no child or animal will ever be a victim of willful abuse or neglect again. As a recognized leader in professional education, training and advocacy, research and evaluation, American Humane joins with other similarly missioned individuals and organizations to make this vision a reality.

I have subscribed to their newsletter; and their website contains very useful information concerning what you can do to help alleviate both child and animal abuse.

If you are interested and concerned about either issue, or both, please visit the website listed below: