The Cycle of Violence

The Cycle of Violence

Toledo Area Humane Society's Cruelty Investigation Officers understand something very important: simply confiscating a neglected or abused animal is just a temporary measure which saves that particular animal, but will not stop the problem from existing or progressing. As appalling as these acts are, sometimes they are the tip of an iceberg.

Behaviors that endanger human beings and animals are the same. Because animal neglect or abuse often occurs in plain view, such as in a back yard, animal cruelty investigators often discover animal abuse before child abuse or domestic violence is discovered behind closed doors. In addition, abuse victims may talk more openly about the poor treatment of animals while hiding their own abuse.

Experts have compiled a notable amount of evidence on the link between cruelty to animals and violence toward human beings. Professionals in the law enforcement, social work, and animal welfare fields are using this vital information to effectively recognize and treat violence within a household.

Statistics to support this link are extensive. In a survey, it was found that abused animals were found in 88% of the homes of families owning pets where child abuse had been substantiated. 71% of battered women surveyed reported threatened harm to pets, and 51% reported actual harm to pets.

Did you know that animal abuse laws were in effect before child abuse laws? In fact, the first child abuse cases were prosecuted using animal abuse laws to win the case, persuading the court that the child was a member of the animal kingdom, and deserved protection such as that given to other defenseless creatures. 

Cruelty to animals by young children can be evidence of emotional disturbances, which could later lead to violence toward humans. Infamous serial killers such as Jeffrey Dahmer, David Berkowitz "son of Sam", Albert Desalve "The Boston Strangler" and many more, have rich histories of animal abuse in their past. Animal Cruelty is now included in a triad of symptoms the FBI uses to detect potentially violent criminals.

Because laws governing the intervention and investigation of animal and domestic abuse differ, sometimes animal cruelty investigators can enter a home when social workers cannot. Our cruelty investigation officers are trained to recognize the signs of abuse or neglect within a household, and to report them to the appropriate social services agency.

There is a growing understanding of the issue of animal abuse as a forewarning of later violence, and we now recognize that we need to take the signs of abuse toward animals seriously. While our Cruelty Investigation Officers continue to wait for better legislation to discipline offenders, they also understand the need to counsel and educate those who are cruel to animals as part of their efforts to end the cycle of violence.