Why do batterers threaten, abuse, or kill animals?
• To demonstrate and confirm power and control over the family. • To isolate the victim and children. • To eliminate competition for attention. • To force the family to keep violence a secret. • To teach submission. • To retaliate for acts of independence and self-determination. • To perpetuate the context of terror. • To prevent the victim from leaving or coerce her/him to return. • To punish the victim for leaving. • To degrade the victim through involvement in the abuse. Why should we recognize animal abuse as a form of battering? • Animal abuse exposes the deliberateness of battering rather than loss of control. • Animal abuse and child abuse are closely related. • Animal abuse is often a tool used by batterers to emotionally control or coerce victims. • Threatening, injuring, or killing animals can indicate the potential for increased violence or lethality. • Victims may postpone leaving out of fear for their pets’ safety. • Identifying animal abusers can help identify other victi
