There is an increasing amount of research and clinical evidence which suggests that there are sometimes inter-relationships between the abuse of children, vulnerable adults and animals. A better understanding of these links can help to protect victims, both human and animal, and promote their welfare. The NSPCC has drawn much of this research together and produced a report ”Animal Abuse and Maltreatment: A review of the literature and findings from a UK Study” (2007; S Hackett and E Pritchard). The authors suggest that all professionals working in the child welfare field should be alert to the possibility of animal cruelty in the backgrounds of both child and adult service users. Practitioners should explore the significance of attachment to animals as part of wider assessments of family dynamics and relationships.
Please click here to download the Executive Summary of the NSPCC Report
”Animal Abuse and Maltreatment”
Please click here to download the full NSPCC Report
Please click here to download a leaflet for professionals that outlines this research.
The Links Group is a national multi-agency interest group that promotes the welfare and safety of vulnerable children, animals and adults so that they are free from violence and abuse.
