There is a link between domestic violence and animal abuse cases say legal experts. In southern Ohio, Butler County Prosecutor Robin Piper has formed a new unit that places felony domestic violence cases and animal cruelty cases under the same assistant prosecutor. Like many prosecutors nationwide, Piper has found a distinct link between domestic violence and cruelty to animals. Both crimes involve violence against those less able to protect themselves, Piper told reporters in announcing the new unit.
Medical experts have long recognized animal cruelty as an indicator of potential future violent behavior. Psychological studies have proven that individuals who willingly harm animals are more likely to inflict harm on humans. Many people charged with domestic violence, spousal abuse, aggravated assault, rape, child abuse and murder have abused animals, often from the time they were children. Animal torture and abuse is a known warning sign of certain psychopathologies, including anti-social personality disorder.
According to an article in the New York Times, "the FBI has found that a history of cruelty to animals is one of the traits that regularly appears in its computer records of serial rapists and murderers, and the standard diagnostic and treatment manual for psychiatric and emotional disorders lists cruelty to animals as a diagnostic criterion for conduct disorders. A survey of psychiatric patients who had repeatedly tortured dogs and cats found all of them had high levels of aggression toward people as well, including one patient who had murdered a young boy."
In California, designated prosecutors work with special Domestic Violence Units to aggressively prosecute anyone charged with domestic violence. Domestic violence can include threats, intimidation, annoying phone calls, stalking, physical assault or abuse, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, financial abuse, social abuse and child abuse.
-LegalPro
