Cross-Reporting of Abuse - Texas Humane Network

What is The Link?

For years, animal abuse, child abuse, and other forms of abuse were thought of as isolated incidents. Today, professionals aren’t surprised when they hear that these cases are often linked to each other, otherwise known as “The Link”.

This “Link” is the term that researchers have established to identify the significant correlations that exist between all types of abuse.

Any form of abuse can actually be a key indicator of family violence (a “red flag” that other family members in the household may not be safe) or a predictor to future violent behavior by the perpetrator. Research shows that many serial killers and school shooters committed their first acts of violence against animals.

We’re going to take a deeper look at what the Link means and how it relates to all forms of abuse.

What is the Cycle of Abuse?

Animal abuse is actually just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to abuse.

32% of domestic violence survivors in shelters reported their children had harmed animals, repeating the intergenerational cycle of violence.

Because of this, It is important for all responders and advocates in multiple disciplines to recognize abuse and to ultimately understand the importance of cross-reporting suspected abuse. Since abuse is often cyclical and intergenerational, the earlier professionals can intervene to break the cycles of violence, the higher the rate of success.

Our sister organization THLN, in association with Heath Mobile Veterinary Services, a member of the North Texas LINK Coalition, has compiled cross-reporting information for human services and animal welfare professionals.

For information about how to recognize and report abuse, please visit these links:

The importance of spreading awareness about The Link and cross-reporting abuse is crucial. With this information, we can save several terrible incidents from occurring. Pay close attention to behavior and the treatment of animals as they are strong warning signs to future abusive behavior.

What is the National Link Coalition?

The National Link Coalition is a multi-disciplinary, collaborative initiative to increase awareness and address public policy, programs and research.

Their main goal is to stop the cycle of violence that often affects multiple family members. To achieve this critical goal, the Coalition provides information and resources online and holds conferences about The Link. It also collects information about federal, state, and local legislative efforts to address The Link, such as bills aiming to include pets in domestic violence protective orders, increasing penalties for perpetrators of animal cruelty, and allowing or mandating cross-reporting for human services and animal welfare professionals.

In addition to continuing research and providing resources, Texas Humane Network has worked to create written resources and assign speakers for Texas agencies and organizations that need more information about The Link and how to stop the cycle of abuse in their communities.

THLN is a Founding Member of the North Texas LINK Coalition, along with the SPCA of Texas, the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, Mazie’s Mission, and several local human and social services agencies.

The National Link Coalition’s mission is to facilitate the North Texas area’s recognition and understanding of the dynamic connection between animal abuse and the cycle of family and societal violence. The North Texas LINK Coalition also provides online resources, training, and networking events across the DFW area.

What can I do to break the cycle of abuse?

The good news is that the cycle can be broken at any stage of abuse and violence!

The key is to provide resources to educate, protect, heal, and encourage a world where empathy and respect are a focal point in all of our relationships.

Together, alongside the National Link Coalition and other coalitions, we can help expand the reach and knowledge about the Link. We must continue to educate about the importance of acknowledging the connection between all forms of abuse in order to break the cycle.

Head to the National Link Coalition’s site to view their resource list.