What is the Violence Link?
The relationship between violence against people and animals is commonly known as the Violence Link. Evidence-based research shows that violence against animals and violence against people are not distinct or separate problems. Rather, they are part of a larger pattern of violent crimes that often co-exist. Cases of partner abuse, gang violence, youth crime, assault, homicide, sexual assault and child abuse also commonly include animal abuse.
The Canadian Violence Link Coalition (CVLC) was formed in 2018 as a result of issues brought forward at Humane Canada’s 2017 Canadian Violence Link Conference. The CVLC is committed to advancing awareness, education and training about the link between violence against humans and violence against animals. The CVLC’s goal is to introduce violence prevention and intervention strategies across the country and to establish policies and practices that make our communities safer.
If you are interested in learning more about the work of the CVLC and/or in joining the CVLC, please contact the Program Manager: hannah@humanecanada.ca
Newsletter
New for 2021, we are pleased to bring you the Canadian Violence Link Coalition Newsletter:
Members of the Canadian Violence Coalition Steering Committee
Destiny Bedwell – Communications and Marketing Coordinator, Ontario 211 Service
Barbara Cartwright – Chief Executive Officer, Humane Canada™
Dr. Kendra Coulter – Associate Professor, Brock University
Tara Dobec – Assistant Crown Attorney, Ontario
Kathy Duncan – Manager, Animal Services, City of Brampton
Dr. Amy Fitzgerald – Professor, University of Windsor
Christine Hartig – Strategic Support Officer, By-law and Regulatory Services, City of Ottawa
The Hon. Michael A. Kelen – Retired Justice of the Federal Court of Canada
Louise Lathey – Prevention and Enforcement Officer, BC SPCA
Michelle Lem – Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
Dallas Mack – Ontario Crown Counsel
Jenny Mason, Lawyer and Policy Advisor, PEI
Tammy Merritt – SafePet Ontario Program Manager
Kathy Powelson – Executive Director, Paws for Hope Animal Foundation
Cassie Preston – No Pet Left Behind Coordinator, Paws for Hope Animal Foundation
Dr. Andrew Sparling, DVM – Board Member, Ontario Veterinary Medical Association
Frances Wach – Executive Director, Saskatchewan SPCA
Erin Whitmore – Executive Director, Ending Violence Association of Canada
Dr. Jane Young – Chair, Women for Humane Canada
Canadian Violence Link Coalition Projects Underway:
- Violence Link Training for police officers across the country
- An amendment to section 160 of the Criminal Code of Canada (bestiality)
- Amending ViCLAS book to add animal abuse questions
- Amending threat assessment questionnaires to add animal abuse questions
- The National Centre for the Prosecution of Animal Cruelty’s 2020 Crown prosecutor training
- Judicial training on the Violence Link, spearheaded by The Honourable Michael A. Kelen, Retired Justice of the Federal Court of Canada
- Animal abuse statistics recorded by Statistics Canada (police statistics)
Resources
- The Violence Link – Review of the Literature
- Incorporating the LINK into Social Work & Violence Against Women Shelters