Linking Animal Cruelty and Domestic Violence: A Family Law Perspective

Mounting evidence supports the conclusion that animal cruelty is an indicator of domestic violence and possible child abuse/neglect. This program will enable practitioners to bolster legal strategies by identifying relevant state laws, comply with applicable cross-reporting requirements, and gain an understanding of the available programs and research that can improve client counseling. Family law practitioners representing children, parents, and domestic abuse victims or criminal defendants will benefit from this timely and informative program. 

Learning Objectives:

I.    Comprehend the link between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence 

II.   Explore the state laws that recognize this link

III.  Recognize ethical implications in the client-lawyer relationship

IV.  Identify and report animal cruelty, abuse and neglect 

V.   Utilize animal cruelty assessments in child abuse and domestic violence evaluations

VI.  File orders of protection for family pets

VII. Grasp legal tools/resources to assist abuse/neglect victims and remediate defendants