The Link Between Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence: A Call for Change

Authored by OAA Board Member Whitney Maiden

The connection between animal abuse and domestic violence is undeniable, yet often overlooked. Research consistently shows that those who harm animals are frequently also perpetrators of violence in human relationships. The two forms of abuse are inextricably linked, each feeding off the other, forming a cycle of control, fear, and manipulation. If we are to address domestic violence effectively, we must confront animal cruelty as a critical part of the problem.

The Cycle of Abuse: Animal Cruelty as a Predictor

Animal abuse is often not a standalone issue but a precursor to more severe forms of violence. Research shows that animal cruelty can serve as a powerful predictor of future harm, particularly in domestic violence situations. A study by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Northeastern University found that individuals who abuse animals are five times more likely to also engage in violence against humans. This connection underscores the gravity of animal cruelty in the broader context of family violence.

A report by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) further reveals the extent of this abuse. It found that up to 71% of women entering domestic violence shelters reported that their abuser had threatened, injured, or killed their pets. This statistic is not just a shocking number—it reveals the far-reaching, emotional weaponization of animals. The harm caused to a pet is far from a mere act of cruelty toward an animal; it is an attack on the victim’s emotional well-being. By targeting an animal the victim loves, abusers manipulate and control their victims in ways that go far beyond physical violence. The consequences are deep, lasting, and often invisible, as the victim may feel trapped and unwilling to leave due to fear for their pet’s safety.

Moreover, acts of animal cruelty are increasingly being reported in children, particularly those who grow up in households where domestic violence occurs. Children who witness such violence—often perpetrated by a mother’s intimate partner—can suffer significant emotional damage. This link is critical because it shows how animal cruelty can serve as an early indicator of child abuse, family violence, or even future violent criminal behavior. It’s a disturbing cycle: what starts with harm to an animal often spirals into more serious forms of abuse within the family.

The Emotional Toll of Harmed Pets

For many victims of domestic violence, their pet is not just an animal—it’s family. A 2017 study published by The Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that more than half of domestic violence survivors said they delayed leaving an abusive situation out of concern for their pets. The emotional toll of fearing for a pet’s safety—especially in abusive homes where an abuser has explicitly threatened to harm the pet—cannot be overstated. Victims often remain in these environments longer than they should because they feel helpless to protect the animals they love. When pets are used as pawns to control victims, it deepens the cycle of abuse, making it even harder for individuals to escape. This insight provides a critical understanding of why we must consider pets as part of the equation when combating domestic violence.

Legal Gaps: Why Protection for Pets Matters

In most legal systems, pets are still considered property—an issue that complicates the legal process for victims who seek protection. While the laws are evolving, many still fail to protect pets in domestic violence cases. The American Bar Association (ABA) has recognized this gap. Their Resolution No. 504, adopted in 2024, urges all federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal governments to enact legislation that provides legal protection for pets in family law and civil restraining order proceedings. This resolution is based on extensive research that shows when victims of domestic violence are allowed to include pets in protection orders, they are more likely to leave an abusive situation.

Resolution No. 504 highlights the role pets play in the emotional well-being of their owners and the life-or-death decision many victims face when they consider leaving an abusive situation. If we don’t protect the pets, we’re not addressing the full scope of the abuse. The resolution also promotes increased access to shelters that can accommodate pets, addressing the very real concern many survivors face when they seek refuge but have nowhere to take their pets. In fact, research by RedRover, an organization focused on strengthening the bond between people and animals, reveals that more than 50% of domestic violence shelters in the U.S. now allow pets to stay with their owners. This change has been transformative, allowing victims to escape without the added trauma of leaving their pets behind.

Moving Forward: Public Awareness

The growing awareness of this issue is encouraging, but we have a long way to go. Comprehensive public awareness is a critical catalyst needed in this discussion to ensure that the law reflects the protections that the public demands for themselves and their animal counterparts.  

Through education and advocacy, Ohio Animal Advocates and similar organizations are working to change the perceptions of how we treat animals in the context of domestic violence. By raising awareness, we ensure that both human and animal victims of violence are not forgotten. 

Conclusion: Why This Matters

Animal abuse and domestic violence are a pair of problems that are intimately linked. One does not exist in a vacuum—if you abuse one, you abuse the other. It’s a systemic issue that demands a systemic response.

The American Bar Association’s recent resolution underscores this, calling for legislation that protects pets in family law proceedings, including restraining orders. The Resolution recognizes the deep bond between victims and their animals and calls for legal measures that acknowledge the importance of protecting pets alongside human victims. It’s a recognition that the safety of one cannot be guaranteed without the safety of the other.

We’re at a crossroads. The evidence is clear. And as a society, we must make a choice. We can continue to look the other way, pretending that pets don’t matter in the equation of domestic violence. Or we can rise to the occasion, use our legal systems and our voices to ensure that both humans and animals are protected and safe from those who would harm them.