Understanding the Critical Links Between Family Violence and Animal Harm

New insights from the University of Canterbury are illuminating the often-overlooked connections between harm to animals and family violence in New Zealand. This research underscores how violence against pets frequently co-occurs with abuse toward humans, urging a more integrated approach to support victims.

Family violence, encompassing intimate partner violence, child abuse, and elder mistreatment, remains a pressing issue in Aotearoa New Zealand. Recent data reveals that family harm incidents reached their highest levels since 2018, with an estimated 147,000 victims of violent crime in the year to August 2025. At the same time, animal welfare complaints to the SPCA surged, with nearly 14,000 reports in 2024 alone, marking a 40% increase year-over-year. These trends highlight the urgency of addressing intertwined forms of abuse.

The New Zealand Centre for Human-Animal Studies Leads Pioneering Work

At the forefront is the New Zealand Centre for Human-Animal Studies (NZCHAS) at the University of Canterbury, co-directed by Professor Nik Taylor. Established to explore human-animal relationships through humanities and social sciences lenses, NZCHAS has focused extensively on violence links since 2010. Professor Taylor's projects investigate companion animals' roles in domestic violence recovery and animal abuse as a 'red flag' in child protection.

Collaborations with Australian experts like Dr. Heather Fraser have produced influential resources, emphasizing species-inclusive methods in social work.

Key Findings from Decades of International and Local Research

Over two decades of studies confirm that individuals who perpetrate animal abuse are significantly more likely to commit interpersonal violence—and often more severely. Globally, up to 88% of homes with substantiated child abuse involve animal mistreatment, while 71% of women entering domestic violence shelters report their pets being threatened, injured, or killed by abusers. In New Zealand, surveys indicate 50% of women in refuges experienced pet abuse linked to family violence.

• Animal cruelty serves as a predictor of escalation in human-directed violence.
• Pets are often used as tools of control, delaying victims' escape due to safety fears.
• Children witnessing interspecies abuse are at higher risk of perpetrating or experiencing violence later.

Professor Taylor notes: “Recognising the links between violence towards domestic animals and violence towards people improves detection, intervention, and prevention.”

Transforming Frontline Responses in New Zealand

University of Canterbury research is directly shaping practice. Pet Refuge NZ, the country's first dedicated shelter for pets of family violence victims, exemplifies this shift. Since opening, it has provided safe havens, addressing the 53% of victims who delay leaving due to pet concerns. More refuges are adopting pet-friendly policies, supported by evidence from NZCHAS projects.

A February 23, 2026, symposium at UC, titled 'Links Between Family Violence and Animal Abuse: Learning from Theory and Practice,' convened experts from Lucy's Project Australia, Safe Pets Safe Families, and Pet Refuge NZ. Discussions focused on cross-sector collaboration, routine pet harm screening, and training enhancements.

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Global Perspectives and New Zealand's Unique Context

Internationally, organizations like Lucy's Project advocate for systemic change, noting abusers of animals are five times more likely to harm family members. In Aotearoa, cultural factors like high pet ownership (over 60% of households) and Māori perspectives on whānau—including animals—add layers. NZCHAS research integrates these, promoting holistic interventions.

Challenges persist: Lack of pet-friendly housing traps victims, while underreporting hampers data. Government initiatives, like the 2025 call to protect pets in FV cases, align with UC findings.

Seminal Publications and Academic Contributions

Professor Taylor co-authored Rescuing Me, Rescuing You: Companion Animals and Domestic Violence (2019), detailing survivor stories and policy needs. Recent papers in Journal of Family Violence explore companion-animal-inclusive social work. These works inform UC courses in social work (SOWK212: Family Violence) and sociology, training future professionals.

• Animal abuse as a child protection indicator (2016-2019).
• Transgender women's pet bonds in DV (2016).
• Equine therapies for abuse survivors (2010-2017).

Explore academic career advice for roles in this field.

Policy Recommendations and Systemic Changes

UC research advocates routine animal harm inquiries in FV intakes, cross-reporting between SPCA and police, and pet-inclusive housing policies. Training for veterinarians, social workers, and police is expanding, with vets recognizing abuse links per NZ surveys.

Monique Dam, CEO of Lucy's Project, emphasizes: “The symposium is an invaluable opportunity to collaborate across sectors to develop evidence-based solutions.” In NZ, Pet Refuge's model proves scalable.

Implications for Higher Education and Research Careers

This work highlights opportunities in interdisciplinary fields like criminology, social work, and human-animal studies at NZ universities. UC's programs equip students to tackle complex violence. Aspiring researchers can contribute via research assistant jobs or PhDs focusing on prevention.

Check Rate My Professor for insights on UC faculty like Prof. Taylor.

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Challenges and Future Directions

Despite progress, gaps remain: Feasibility of cross-reporting in NZ, housing barriers, and funding for pet services. Future NZCHAS projects will evaluate interventions, informing Te Aorerekura (FV Action Plan 2025-2030).

Stakeholders urge expanded pet fostering and legal reforms treating animal abuse as FV evidence.

Conclusion: Building Safer Communities Through Integrated Research

University of Canterbury's research is pivotal in reshaping family violence responses by centering animal harm links. By fostering collaborations, pet-inclusive services, and evidence-based policies, New Zealand advances toward safer whānau. Professionals in higher ed jobs, social services, and policy can drive change. Explore NZ university opportunities or career advice to get involved. Share your thoughts in the comments below.