Violence Link Task Force of Manasota

The Violence Link Task Force of Manasota is a group of concerned citizens and agency representatives who are dedicated to preventing and eliminating abuse in any form in our area. We want to make the public aware of the link between human violence and animal cruelty. People who abuse children tend to abuse animals (family pets) and other adults. Children learn violence and abuse and thus if they are being abused or see abuse, it is highly likely that they too will be violent towards a family pet, another child or whoever is smaller, more fragile, more vulnerable.

We work together so that shelter is provided for abused women and their pets. Often a spouse will not live an abusive partner because the family pet has also been threatened. We have established a system so the person being abused can leave and know that they can take their pet with them. The pet will be cared for while the person is in the domestic violence shelter.

Local animal control officers and Humane Society investigators have attended training so they are aware what to look for in a home where the animal is being abused, now they are receiving training as to what to observe related to children and others who may be abused in the same home. Now they know when and how to report suspected child abuse too.

Child protective workers are also receiving training on how to assess household abuse that includes the family pet.

The cycle of abuse in domestic violence situations effects all members of the family including the children and family pets.

Often we do not realize that the family pet is or may be abused as well as the children. The goal of the Violence Link of Manasota is to not only create an awareness in our community that there is this LINK, but what to look for and how to report. Mandatory reporting of child abuse is the law in the state of Florida. If you see child abuse report it and also report to the Humane Society if their is a pet in that home. br>