"Abusers of animals are five times as likely to harm humans. Nearly half of the victims who stay in violent households do so because they are afraid for their animals. Countless more never leave the home for this very reason. Companion animals like cats and dogs may be threatened or harmed; the vulnerability of other animals like horses may also make it difficult for victims to escape in emergencies. The "link" between violence against humans and animals is clear. But there are resources that can help.
After a violent episode, whether physical, emotional, or sexual, tension builds to a breaking point. The abuser blames the victim and minimizes the violence, then woos the victim back in a honeymoon phase, and the victim hopes the cycle is over. But the cycle repeats itself, almost without fail.
Many victims hope the violence will end or believe they can protect animals in the home. The truth is that a person who harms animals will likely harm humans—and a person who harms humans will almost certainly harm animals. Staying with an abuser puts every human and nonhuman in the home at risk....
"Animal abuse is often the first visible sign a family is in trouble...."
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