The relationship of animal maltreatment with the violence of people in the light of Link theory

Abstract

This article aims to understand how the intervention/prevention of violent behavior against animals can reflect on the prevention of episodes of domestic violence and against people in general, with a view to developing skills such as empathy, respect and pro-social attitudes. Therefore, it discusses the growing increase in violent crimes in Brazil and the need to seek ways to mitigate this violence, based on Link's Theory and his contributions that this Theory can bring to the prevention and combat of violent crimes against humans and animals. Thus, the guiding problem of this research is: How does Link's Theory explain the relationship between violence against animals and violence against people? As a methodology, the theoretical-dogmatic research of the deductive method is used, based on a literature review on doctrines, pertinent legislation and jurisprudence, aiming to find a purpose to mitigate or alleviate the problem of mistreatment of animals and human beings. At the end of the study, it is concluded that knowing the methods, motives and state of mind of people who commit acts of cruelty to animals can help provide courts and mental health professionals with additional tools to assess the importance of these crimes and of the potential risks that offenders can pose to other animals and to society as a whole.