You might be surprised to learn that there is a distinct link – a deadly link – between animal abuse and domestic violence/child abuse.
But when you think about it, it actually makes sense, doesn’t it? Anyone who is heartless enough to hurt an innocent, defenseless animal probably wouldn’t hesitate to exercise his power and control over a child or a spouse. As my uncle commented, “An abusive coward is an abusive coward. They don’t make distinctions.”
Here are some shocking statistics about the link between these horrific acts (source):
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54 to 71 percent of women seeking shelter from abuse report that their partner had threatened, injured, or killed one or more family pets;
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More than 80 percent of family members being treated for child abuse also have abused animals. In two-thirds of these cases, an abusive parent had killed or injured a pet. In one-third of cases, a child victim continued the cycle of violence by abusing a pet.
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Children learn about abuse by being its victim. They often fail to develop empathy, and without this key quality they cannot recognize their victims’ pain. When they begin to “act out” their abuse trauma, children first target animals. As adults, they find new victims among the most vulnerable – children, partners, and the elderly.
Anthropologist Margaret Mead said, “One of the most dangerous things that can happen to a child is to kill or torture an animal and get away with it.”
Obviously, if we know a child is abusing or killing animals, it’s not something we can ignore. It’s not something to be reasoned away or swept under a rug. It’s not “a phase” he’s going through, and it’s not just his way of “acting out”.
Truth is, it’s very likely the beginning of a very violent life for that child, and it must be addressed right away.
Award winning screen writer Nina Knapp is working to stop this violence with her documentary film, The Deadly Link. She hopes the film will raise awareness of the link between animal abuse and domestic violence, and she’s asking for your help.
Will you make a donation today? All funds will be applied to the production of the film, including travel costs to conduct interviews with issue experts, visits to animal shelters and domestic violence shelters, and post-production costs. A donation of just $5 will make a difference, and will make this important piece of education possible.
Visit The Deadly Link website today for more information about this very important cause. I hope you’ll join me in supporting Nina’s efforts to make the world a better place not just for our human loved ones, but for our 4-legged family as well.
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