Social Work Now (23) December 2002 : 4-8

This article examines the relationship between the abuse of animals and the abuse of children. There is a paucity of New Zealand research surrounding this topic area, so the data informing this article originates from United States and United Kingdom studies. Studies show that harm to pets is more likely to occur in households characterised by domestic violence. Furthermore, research reveals that those that harm animals are more likely to display violence towards people. This article explores reasons behind the abuse of animals, and suggests these mirror the underlying motivations behind an adult's abuse of a child. The author proposes that children who abuse animals may be victims of abuse themselves, so family violence risk assessments should include an investigation of possible cruelty to pets. Due to the connection between animal and child abuse, the author recommends that child welfare and animal welfare agencies work in collaboration as a means to reducing family violence.