torturing animals
When animals are mistreated, people are often at risk as well
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Cruelty to animals is cruel, often inexplicable and causes many people to feel depressed and sad. If a person mistreats an animal, it is not unlikely that he:she would do the same to a human being. +++ TW: This article is about the abuse of humans and animals.
A dog, a cat or even a horse: pets fill us with joy and give us all their love. But this is not always reciprocated and so veterinarians in particular see cases of animal cruelty to four-legged friends when they come to the practice with unusual injuries and wounds. Studies show how this is related to domestic violence against people, because those who torture animals often abuse people as well. Looking at the pets could help to react more quickly to such acts of violence.
Torturing animals: Domestic violence does not only affect people
Most often women and children are affected by domestic violence, but animals also suffer from the violent outbursts of the problematic person. Animals that develop a close relationship with humans are usually particularly at risk. The problem: The animals cannot walk if they are mistreated. Usually they have to stay with the owners. The analysis by the British social worker James Stuart Hutton showed as early as 1983 that in 88 percent of the families in which domestic violence against children occurred, the pets were also neglected and tortured. This suggests that animal cruelty is an indication of general domestic violence. Women who have violent partners often stay with them if animals live in the household so that they do not abandon the four-legged friends.
The role of the veterinarian
If an animal is treated in a veterinary practice that shows unusual injuries, this can be the first indication of serious problems. In the study of veterinary medicine, prospective doctors in Germany are now trained to recognize whether wounds and fractures are caused by accidents or by malicious attacks. But they will not be prepared to respond. Nor do many want to interfere when they realize there is a far greater danger. Due to a lack of training, veterinarians are often unable to provide enough evidence, know too little about domestic violence or are unsure about how to deal with confidentiality on topics such as these. But it is clear that they do not make themselves liable to prosecution by reporting if significant and lasting injuries to the animal become apparent.
This is how it looks in English-speaking countries
In Great Britain and the USA, researchers have long been aware of the connection between acts of violence against animals and humans. The research on this has led to awareness being raised in veterinary practices and closer links (so-called “links”) to social and health authorities being implemented.
Germany: Animals as leading indicators
In Germany, the number of abuses of animals has remained almost constant for years. Around 6000 cases are reported annually. In children, 3542 cases were reported in 2017. If various institutions were also to network in Germany, animals could be used as early indicators by checking whether they are being mistreated in order to focus on the families. There is currently no connection between authorities and veterinarians, so that acts of violence against animals are only regarded as such and are not pursued further. It is not the duty of the veterinarians to react to this and there is a lack of contact with youth welfare offices, for example. Very few cases of violence against animals are known to authorities, but this information is important. If children live in the household and pets arrive at the veterinarians abused, it is not unlikely that something similar will happen to the children at home.
How are injuries classified?
Thomas Steidl, President of the Baden-Württemberg Chamber of Veterinarians, says other forms of violence can also be transmitted to the animals. For example, there are cases of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, in which the animals are intentionally injured so that the owners can pose as last-minute rescuers at the veterinary practice. Injury patterns that appear atypical for certain animal species and thus represent indications can also be observed. In addition, the owner also shows whether there are any problems. There are various clues: Has the veterinarian been changed frequently? Is the animal anxious when the mistress and master are there? Do the owners often have new young animals with them? These are all indicators of serious problems.
to accept help
If you are affected by domestic violence yourself, someone close to you or your pet, contact appropriate contact points. white ring or that help phone can help you. You are not alone in this.
Source used: violence against animals. Cruelty to animals as an indication of violence against people (bundestieraerztekammer.de)