The Link Between Child Abuse and Animal Cruelty
What is Cross-Reporting?
Research has shown links between animal cruelty, intimate partner violence, and child abuse/neglect. Households experiencing IPV or child abuse or neglect may also experience animal cruelty. Further, animal abuse in children and youth can be a sign of sexual abuse. Because of the connections between these issues, DCF Social Workers must report suspected animal abuse/neglect to the Department of Agriculture (DOA), and the DOA also reports instances of suspected child abuse/neglect to DCF. DCF also submits annual reports to the legislature summarizing the cross-reporting of the previous year.
More Information:
- Cross Reporting in CT: Recognizing Animal Cruelty and Steps to Making a Report
- Cross Reporting of Child Abuse and Animal Cruelty - Summary (PPT)
- Cross Reporting of Child Abuse and Animal Cruelty - Full version (PPT)
- The Links Between Animal Abuse and other Forms of Family Violence: Species-Spanning Medicine
- National Link Coalition
- Newsletter (The LINK Letter)
Important Forms and Policies
- DCF-736 – Notification to Department of Agriculture of Suspected Animal harm, Neglect or Cruel Treatment
- DCF Policy 21-19 - Animal Abuse or Neglect: Reporting Procedure
Reports Concerning Actual or Suspected Animal Abuse - § 17a-100c
Questions? Contact: Diane Rosell or Jackie Ford