Animal Cruelty IS Family Violence

The theme for this year’s Animal Cruelty/Human Violence Awareness Week is Animal Cruelty IS Family Violence. This week is designed to raise the awareness of people nationwide about the link between animal cruelty and domestic violence.

In the vast majority of domestic violence cases you will find that cruelty to animals is one aspect of a social environment marked by violence. When a family member becomes abusive, the companion animal, as the 'weakest' member of the family, often becomes the first visible victim of that violence.

The Wisconsin Humane Society and Task Force on Family Violence are keenly aware of the relationship between animal cruelty and domestic violence. Animal cruelty is a key link in the chain of family violence. In a violent family, everyone could be a victim…including the family pet.

Companion animals in homes containing domestic violence may be silent victims, threatened, injured or killed by a violent family member, often in an effort to control or intimidate other members of the household.

WHS and Task Force on Family Violence have been working together for the past several years to educate the community about this connection in an effort to break the cycle of violence. The partnership has resulted in a variety of initiatives to help victims of violence:

* Continuing education for law enforcement and other community agencies on the link between animal abuse and other forms of violence

* Housing animals for victims of domestic violence so that the victims can move to a temporary shelter knowing that their companion animals are safe.

* A training video and handbook produced by Latham Foundation featuring efforts to break the cycle of violence in Milwaukee. Milwaukee was one of only two cities in North America featured.

* Successful youth programs aimed at building empathy in children and reducing violence For more information, see guardian pet training.

About The Author:

Elena Lowery is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-pets.com. Pamper your pet and get up to date information on pet health, food, accessories, behavior, gifts and toys.