While we sometimes believe that violence will increase, no matter what we do, there is hope and reason for optimism. Violence and violent behaviors are not discrete acts but are part of a cycle that often begins with the abuse of animals leading to family violence and other forms of community aggression, hostility, and brutality. A major reason why the cycle of violence continues is that society ignores the fact that violence, like a drug, is seductive. Public policy needs to be transformed to accommodate the view that violence is based on the underlying intention to control and dominate others. By ignoring animal cruelty we disregard the link between animal and human abuse and our ability to stop the cycle of violence. Those that commit violent acts tend to begin with the weakest among us – our companion animals.
Become part of a growing network of individuals, groups, and organizations that believe the first step to stopping the cycle of violence is to identify those people who have been convicted of animal abuse.
What you can do to end the cycle of violence?
- Sign the Animal Cruelty Registry Petition
- Donate to help SWIVL protect abused and abandoned animals
- Join the SWIVL network to work for the registering of animal abusers
- Volunteer your time to protect abused and abandoned animals
