The Link Between Animal Abuse and Family Violence: Why Protecting Pets Protects People
When I look at Lincoln — my sweet boy with those soft, trusting eyes — I’m reminded of the purest kind of love. He doesn’t worry about safety, loyalty, or whether he’ll be cared for tomorrow. He knows he is protected. And that’s what every animal should feel. But for so many pets, that isn’t the reality. And what most people don’t realize is this: **Animal abuse is rarely an isolated act. It’s a warning sign of deeper violence happening inside the home.** This connection is so strong and so consistent that psychologists, child-protective workers, animal-control officers, and domestic-violence advocates refer to it simply as The Link. What “The Link” Actually Means Decades of research show a powerful pattern: 57% of families investigated for child maltreatment also had a harmed animal. 48–71% of domestic-violence survivors say their abuser threatened or hurt their pets. Children who harm animals often come from homes where they themselves are ab...