Developed by Dr. Randy Lockwood, PhD, and Virgina-Marie Beckett, MSW, LGSW

The landscape of violence has become too familiar and too close to home.  Despite decades of scientific research, we are only beginning to understand the roots of violence that connect child maltreatment, spouse and partner abuse, and aggression in our neighborhoods, schools, and communities. Cruelty to animals is often part of this landscape of violence.  Research on this connection has received increased attention for the past decade and there is now a significant body of work in social science.  This three part course is designed for educators, investigators, animal care and control personnel, law enforcement officials, protective service professionals, and other anti-violence workers looking to gain a fundamental knowledge of the relationship between cruelty to animals and interpersonal violence.

Participants in this course will examine both qualitative and quantitative studies and case histories of the correlation between cruelty to animals, child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse, and teen violence; and will explore the broad terrain of community level partnerships involving humane societies, social service providers, and law enforcement agencies.  Participants will also learn how to recognize the connection between cruelty to animals and human violence and will review a variety of intervention programs for victims and at-risk or offending populations.

This is a self-paced course. There is no instructor, yet a subject matter expert/facilitator will grade your final written assignment. Participants should expect to spend about 20 hours on this course with lectures, reading materials, power point presentations, video files, short assignments, and a course exam.  Students who successfully complete the course will earn a Certificate of Completion. 

Learn more about The HSUS First Strike Program.