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.