"Animals and children have one thing in common - they're both easy to hurt. Maltreatment of animals in a family can sound a warning bell that children are also at risk. We need to recognise the links".

This is the chilling message at the end of a leaflet produced by the NSPCC which highlights the links between human and animal abuse.

It was produced in conjunction with a number of bodies who have an interest in domestic violence and have come together to form the Links Group.

Notable amongst them are the British Veterinary Association, the British Veterinary Nursing Association, the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Dogs Trust, the RSPCA, and the SSPCA along with Women’s Aid, the NSPCC, Refuge and the Association of Chief Police Officers.

At first glance it may seem strange that these various organisations share a common concern, but evidence from the American Humane Association shows that ‘when animals are abused, people are at risk; when people are abused, animals are at risk.’

Key findings from research in the UK suggest that: If a child is cruel to animals, it may be an indicator of neglect or abuse of the child.

Where serious animal abuse has occurred in a household, there may be an increased likelihood that other forms of family violence are occurring. Acts of animal abuse may be used to coerce, control and intimidate women and children. Sustained childhood cruelty to animals has been linked to an increased likelihood of violent offending behaviour against humans in adulthood. Indeed, one thing that all serial killers of the last century in the USA have is common is that they all have a history of previous animal abuse. All of them.

For many years, vets who suspected animal abuse in their patients were inhibited from taking positive action by Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) rules regarding client confidentiality.

In a way, a bit like a priest’s confessional, what went on in the consulting room, stayed in the consulting room. Now, crucially, these rules have been changed so that it is possible to break that confidence (to the appropriate authority) in circumstances where we feel that our professional obligation to the animal or to animal welfare exceeds our obligation to the individual client.

This does not give vets the wherewithal to discuss their patients and owners whenever they like, as each breach of confidentiality will have to be justified. Advice to veterinary professionals is that they must discuss the situation with a senior member of staff before action is taken.

The Links Group aims to raise awareness of the ‘links’ between professionals involved in these types of cases and to allow for cross-reporting, idea and information sharing and research. Already, it has come up with new initiatives, such as Paws for Kids, which enables victims of domestic violence to leave home without fear of their animals being harmed.

It is a sad reflection on society that a coalition like the Links Group is required. But it is.

Have a look at thelinksgroup.org.uk. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline number is 0808 2000 247. If you are in danger but cannot speak, dial 999 and press 55.