“My dog had an accident on the floor and went to bed without dinner.” Those of us working with youth often hear and see indicators of potential violence in the home. These are prime opportunities for intervention. This course will discuss the problem of childhood/family cruelty to animals, how to recognize that cruelty is happening in a child’s home, and proactive solutions including youth outreach, humane education, and community partnerships.

Objectives: At the conclusion of this course, students will:

• Understand the relationship between cruelty to animals and interpersonal violence.
• Have gained useful tools for recognizing and responding to animal abuse related to children and families.
• Understand empathy as a preventative to violence.
• Explore community level partnerships and mandated reporting involving humane societies, social service providers, educators, and law enforcement agencies.
• Have gained skills for teaching humane values in the community and be aware of relevant resources.
• Be aware of a variety of intervention programs for victims and at-risk or offending populations.