Human - animal bond and gender violence

Abstract

From the perspective of public safety and public health, the human-animal bond in the context of gender-based violence represents a critical factor that cannot continue to be made invisible. The evidence shows that companion animals are not only collateral victims, but also instruments of coercion that reinforce the cycle of submission and fear, delaying the search for help and putting women’s lives at risk. This scenario requires understanding that animal abuse is not an isolated event, but a sentinel indicator of violent dynamics that threaten the physical, emotional and social integrity of victims. Ignoring this relationship means wasting opportunities for early prevention and comprehensive protection. Therefore, it is essential to systematically incorporate the dimension of animal welfare into protocols of care, risk diagnoses and inter-agency strategies. Shelters with safe pet spaces, staff training in the detection of these patterns and legal frameworks that recognize the intersection between family violence and animal abuse are urgent and necessary measures. Ultimately, safeguarding animals in violent environments is also an act of compassion, a strategic action to break cycles of abuse, strengthen community resilience, and protect human life.