The Association Between Pet Care & Deviant Household Behaviors... in New Providence (Bahamas)

Researchers found the link with domestic violence at the household level both when pets were intentionally harmed and when pets were “not well cared for,” as well as between the respondent being a victim of domestic violence and the intentional harm of pets. Where animals were intentionally harmed, the incidence of alcohol, drug, and/or sexual abuse were higher. This study suggests that within an Afro-Caribbean community, cross-reporting may allow identification of households where there is a greater risk of domestic violence.