A Vicious Cycle of Abuse: The Relationship between Domestic Violence and Animal Cruelty

Abstract

This paper explores research on the relationship between cycles of domestic violence and animal cruelty. It not only depicts that there is an under acknowledged a relationship between the two subjects, but also considers this relationship from multiple perspectives. This paper summarizes what constitutes animal cruelty and domestic violence, what causes people to treat other people and animals in this manner, who are more likely to be perpetrators of abuse and also victims of domestic violence (DV), and the different types of mistreatment in animals and intimate partner violence (IPV). Additionally, this paper reflects on policy implications of existing research in terms of what kind of laws and services are in place to combat this issue and what more can be done. Finally, this paper presents resources for those who wish to make a difference and report any cases of cruelty towards people and animals.