Animal Cruelty/Human Violence (pdf)

"This fact sheet offers statistics from several research studies investigating the connection between animal cruelty and human violence, domestic violence, and child abuse."

Animal Maltreatment in the Ecology of Abused Children: Compelling Research and Responses for Prevention, Assessment and Intervention (pdf)

In this article Phil Arkow argues that it is important to use an ecological systems approach to better understand children’s interactions with animals. Understanding the role and impact of animals in the ecology of violent childhoods can help service providers to successfully address issues related to exposure to violence.

Battered Women's Reports of Their Partner's and Children's Cruelty to Animals (pdf)

"This research study describes how abuse of pets is a method employed by batterers to control their partners, contributes to the impact on children exposed to violence, and may also be related to batterers' lethality."

Expanding Domestic Violence Protective Orders to Include Companion Animals

This article makes clear the link between animal abuse and intimate partner violence and explains why it is important to include animals in safety planning, orders of protection, and shelter programs.

Final Report on the project entitled: Animal Welfare and Domestic Violence (pdf)

"This study assesses animal maltreatment in samples of women seeking safety at shelters and community samples of women. Women in shelter were much more likely (54%) to report partners' hurting or killing of their pets than women not in shelter (3.5%)."

Guidance for Veterinarians to Respond to Suspected Cruelty, Abuse and Neglect (pdf)

This document was created to help veterinarians who see cases of suspected animal abuse and neglect in practice to respond effectively. It is intended to aid veterinarians in establishing individual, practice-specific policies and procedures that best serve the needs of the animal and the client. Topics covered include documentation, decision making, model policies, client questionnaires, legal reporting requirements, liability and confidentiality, and sources of training and resources.

Pets in Protective Orders- Summary by State (pdf)

This document shows current pet protection laws by state as well as pending legislation as of 6/11.

Safety Planning for Pets (pdf)

This document is a collection of materials compiled by the National Link Coalition to help abuse victims include the welfare of their animals when making their plans to protect themselves and their family.