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Victims of Abuse: Making the Connection

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Animals and Public Health

Part of the book series: The Palgrave Macmillan Animal Ethics Series ((PMAES))

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Abstract

In Agnes Grey, a fictional autobiography of a governess, published in 1847, Anne Brontë examined the connection between the oppression of and cruelty against women and animals in Victorian society1 The connection between the abuse of animals and of vulnerable humans is not just the stuff of fiction, though. Sociologists have long recognized a link between the abuse of animals and the abuse of humans, particularly women and children, and that both reflect a larger social struggle between social power and inequality2 Additionally, almost all abusers select victims who are smaller and physically weaker than themselves.3 Recognition of this connection has led to historical precedents, which fostered the development of some of our most powerful laws that help protect against violence toward women, children and animals. One of the more interesting precedents involved the use of an animal protection organization to help a child.

He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.

—Immanuel Kant

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics, UK

    Aysha Akhtar

  2. US Food and Drug Administration, North Potomac, Maryland, USA

    Aysha Akhtar

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© 2012 Aysha Akhtar

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Akhtar, A. (2012). Victims of Abuse: Making the Connection. In: Animals and Public Health. The Palgrave Macmillan Animal Ethics Series. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230358522_2

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