What is the Violence Link?

IMPORTANT: If you or someone you know is feeling unsafe because of how your partner or someone else in your life is treating you and your animal(s), please know that you are not alone. You can find support, including a map with shelters that have provisions for pets, at ShelterSafe.ca.

The Violence link is the relationship between violence against people and animals.

Research shows that violence toward people (interpersonal violence) and violence toward animals (animal cruelty) are part of a larger pattern of violent crimes that co-exist. Cases of inter-partner and gender-based violence, sexual abuse and child abuse (including child sexual abuse), gang violence, youth crime, organized crime, assault, homicide, weapons and illicit drugs also commonly involve animal abuse.

Want to learn more about the Violence Link?

Enroll in one of our courses introducing the Violence Link and how YOU can stop violence towards people and animals.

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What is the Canadian Violence Link Coalition (CVLC)?

The Canadian Violence Link Coalition (CVLC), formed in 2017 recognizes the link between interpersonal abuse and animal abuse as well as the intersection of vulnerabilities in both populations. Despite evidence illustrating that better outcomes are achieved when a cross-sectoral approach is adopted, animal abuse and human abuse are legislated for and dealt with separately. Further, lack of awareness, education and training on the Violence Link inhibits collaboration between sectors.

The CVLC’s purpose is to bring together stakeholders interested in confronting the human-animal Violence Link to bring about systemic, lasting change by:

  • Engaging with law and policymakers on relevant legislative and policy developments that recognize the Violence Link
  • Advancing awareness about the Violence Link among stakeholders through educational and awareness campaigns, conferences, workshops and other similar initiatives
  • Encouraging a cross-sectoral approach by providing resources and tools for regional coalitions and networks which address the Violence Link on a community basis, such as cross reporting tools
  • Advancing awareness of the Violence Link and available resources among the Canadian public


If you are interested in learning more about the work of the CVLC and/or joining the CVLC, please contact the Program Manager, Kerri Thomson, at [email protected]

Explore our resources and help raise awareness to help address the violence link!

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