Cycle of Violence

Nearly all children go through a stage of "innocent" cruelty during which they may harm insects or other small animals in the process of exploring their world. Most children, however, with guidance from parents and teachers, develop empathy for the pain animals can suffer. Some, however, become locked into a lifetime pattern of cruelty.

Alberto DeSalvo, the self-confessed 1962-63 "Boston Strangler" who killed thirteen women, had, as a youth, trapped dogs and cats in orange crates and shot arrows through the boxes.

Carroll Edward Cole, executed in 1985, was one of the most prolific killers in modern history. His first act of violence as a child was to strangle a cat.

Brenda Spencer fired forty shots at San Diego school children, fatally wounding two and injuring nine others. Neighbors later informed police that Spencer had repeatedly abused dogs and cats, often by setting their tails on fire.

Most animal abusers will not commit sensational murders, but they have already taken a step on the path of violence. Ground-breaking studies by psychiatrist Alan Felthous and others, indicate that many criminals who have been violent toward people share a common history of brutal parental punishment and cruelty to animals. Yet, even today, it is not unusual to find school and judicial systems in which animal abuse is not taken seriously.

This is especially disturbing since animal abuse not only can portend the potential for violence against humans, but it also may be an indication of a family in trouble now. Research bears this out.

Recently, Deviney, Dickert, and Lockwood studied 57 families being treated by New Jersey's Division of Youth and Family Services for incidents of child abuse. In 88 percent of those families, animals in the home had also been abused, usually by the parent.

These findings are consistent with those of James Hutton who reviewed the animal cruelty reports for one community in England. Of the 23 families with a history of animal abuse, 83 percent had been identified by human social service agencies as having children at risk of abuse or neglect.

What Can We Do

As educators and other guardians of youth, we must affirm that any child who abuses animals is in need of immediate help. We must further recognize that if animal abuse is occurring in a family, child abuse may be happening also. Most importantly, we ought not assume someone else would know if something was wrong; we must intervene to break the cycle of abuse.

Do not ignore even minor acts of cruelty. Correct the child and express your concerns to his or her parents. Urge your school district, judicial system, and child welfare service agency to take acts of animal cruelty seriously.

Take seriously children's reports of animal abuse in the home. Animal abuse, by a parent or child, is one indicator that a child may be at risk of abuse. Early intervention can sometimes prevent the abuse from ever occurring. Animal abuse can also mean that child abuse is already occurring. Some children who will not talk about their own abuse will reveal what is happening to their pet. If a child describes animal abuse in the home, the school counselor and psychologist should be immediately notified, as well as the local animal welfare agency, which can check up on the care of any animals in the home.

Be on the look out for other indicators of child abuse and neglect. The resources listed on the back of this brochure will help you identify other critical indicators.

Report It

If you suspect child abuse or neglect, do not hesitate to report it. All states require this of teachers. Some states require teachers to immediately report even suspicions of abuse or neglect. Others expect cases to be fairly well documented. Know the guidelines for your state and school district. All states provide reporting teachers with immunity.

A growing number of animal welfare agencies cross-train their humane officers to recognize signs of child abuse during routine animal abuse inspections. If you believe an animal is being mistreated, contact your local animal welfare agency (or the police, if there is no such agency). As a rule, failure to provide adequate food, water, and shelter or the use of physical force sufficient to leave a mark or otherwise cause injury constitutes cruelty to animals according to most state laws, Your actions may not only help the animal, but may also identify a person in need of help. Intervention can prevent escalation of abuse.

Be ready and willing to testify in cases of abuse and neglect. Document conversations and evidence.

Mobilize and Organize

Distribute copies of this brochure. Make others aware of the link between animal abuse and other violent crimes, including child abuse. Speak to your local PTA, child welfare service agency, animal welfare organization, clergy, school counselor and psychologist, veterinarians, juvenile judges, police, and others. Urge agencies to share information with each other.

Establish a task force in your school to work on breaking the cycle of abuse. Procedures can be established concerning what to do if a student abuses an animal on the school grounds or while waiting for the bus. Teachers can be informed about the warning signs that indicate a family is in need of help. Guidelines for contacting social services can be distributed, as well as suggestions for communicating with suspected abusive parents. Teachers need to know, for instance, what to do if the parent of a suspected abused child demands that the child be removed from the reporting teacher's class.

Utilize resources. There are many excellent sources of help.

Nearly all children go through a stage of "innocent" cruelty during which they may harm insects or other small animals in the process of exploring their world. Most children, however, with guidance from parents and teachers, develop empathy for the pain animals can suffer. Some, however, become locked into a lifetime pattern of cruelty.

Alberto DeSalvo, the self-confessed 1962-63 "Boston Strangler" who killed thirteen women, had, as a youth, trapped dogs and cats in orange crates and shot arrows through the boxes.

Carroll Edward Cole, executed in 1985, was one of the most prolific killers in modern history. His first act of violence as a child was to strangle a cat.

Brenda Spencer fired forty shots at San Diego school children, fatally wounding two and injuring nine others. Neighbors later informed police that Spencer had repeatedly abused dogs and cats, often by setting their tails on fire.

Most animal abusers will not commit sensational murders, but they have already taken a step on the path of violence. Ground-breaking studies by psychiatrist Alan Felthous and others, indicate that many criminals who have been violent toward people share a common history of brutal parental punishment and cruelty to animals. Yet, even today, it is not unusual to find school and judicial systems in which animal abuse is not taken seriously.

This is especially disturbing since animal abuse not only can portend the potential for violence against humans, but it also may be an indication of a family in trouble now. Research bears this out.

Recently, Deviney, Dickert, and Lockwood studied 57 families being treated by New Jersey's Division of Youth and Family Services for incidents of child abuse. In 88 percent of those families, animals in the home had also been abused, usually by the parent.

These findings are consistent with those of James Hutton who reviewed the animal cruelty reports for one community in England. Of the 23 families with a history of animal abuse, 83 percent had been identified by human social service agencies as having children at risk of abuse or neglect.