The Link Between Animal Cruelty and Violent Crime Victimization: An Assessment of the Lifetime Impact of Animal Cruelty on Secondary Victims

Author

Amber Ahern, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Date of Award

2020

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

Advisor

Jared Bucker

Keywords

animal cruelty, anthrozoology, criminology, humane education, interpersonal violence, link

Abstract

Animal cruelty and the secondary victimization of humans caused by animal cruelty are significant social problems. The dissertation presented a comparative research study on the developmental, psychological, and emotional symptomatology experienced by crime victims who had prior experiences with animal cruelty as a secondary victimization versus those who had not. Secondary victimization, as well as animal cruelty experiences, were operationally defined. This dissertation presented a broad literature review focusing on animal cruelty, its overall impact, and the link to other forms of criminality. This dissertation reviewed the importance of this line of research and possible implications for policy, future research, the community, public safety, the criminal justice system, and for animal welfare. The anticipated methodology of this study was outlined.

NSUWorks Citation

Amber Ahern. 2020. The Link Between Animal Cruelty and Violent Crime Victimization: An Assessment of the Lifetime Impact of Animal Cruelty on Secondary Victims. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education. (298)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/fse_etd/298.