The violence link: Animal maltreatment and family violence often happen together

A study of 86 residents at 16 domestic violence shelters in Canada found that concern for a pet’s safety is a significant factor in decisions about when to leave an abusive relationship. A recent evidence review shows that abusive partners may threaten, injure or kill animals to intimidate and control other members of the household.

These experiences help explain why animal maltreatment is increasingly recognized as an important community safety risk. That connection received specific attention in Ontario, where the Standing Committee on Justice Policy released a report on intimate partner violence in December 2025.

Link to full story here.