The Link of Violence

American Humane is the oldest national humane organization with divisions for protecting both children and animals from neglect, abuse, cruelty, and exploitation. Through the generous support of individuals, corporations, foundations, and member agencies, American Humane has been in the frontlines of advocacy and action for children and animals for 130 years.

Though we are perhaps best known for our work in protecting children and animals from abuse, neglect, and maltreatment, American Humane’s overarching concern is to build a more humane society. In recent years, this concern has metamorphosed into a renewed practical and scholarly interest into the links between all forms of family violence: child abuse and neglect; animal cruelty, abuse, and neglect; elder abuse; and domestic violence. We are not singling out any one at-risk population; rather, our view is that, in a civilized society, no form of violence should be tolerated.

Because of our joint mission, expertise, and long historical tradition, American Humane has unique qualifications to address the relationships between cruelty to animals and other forms of societal violence. This principle has been espoused by philosophers for hundreds of years, and has been integral to the entire history of the humane movement. In 1894, at an American Humane convention, it was noted that “The man who was cruel to his beast would be unkind to his wife and child.”

Download more about American Humane's evolving work with the Link.

Today, through our campaigns against violence, American Humane is a leader in researching the problem, raising public awareness, and most important, providing tools for decision makers, social service providers, animal care and control professionals, veterinarians, parents and concerned citizens to recognize problems and take appropriate steps to end abuse and protect its victims.

Pets in Protective Orders

Each year, defenseless pets face the grim reality that they will be victims of domestic abuse. American Humane knows that individuals who abuse animals rarely stop there. Human victims -- adults and children alike -- often feel they have no choice but to remain in violent households in order to avoid harm to their pets.

For more information about protective orders, including the steps for obtaining one, download this document.

Congressional Resolution on the Link

American Humane worked with U.S. Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA) on House Resolution 1046 to designate the month of September 2008 as National Link Awareness Month and draw attention to The Link between violence to people and violence to animals. Download the text of the resolution.