The Harm Continuum Initiative
A shared framework for understanding interconnected systems of harm. Connecting animal welfare, domestic violence prevention, child protection, community safety, and human rights.
The hand that strikes is one hand.
Communities that tolerate animal cruelty show higher rates of domestic violence, child abuse, and community harm. The hand that strikes an animal and the hand that strikes a person are moved by the same unchecked force.
Compassion, real radical compassion, breaks both cycles. The Cruelty Continuum is the intellectual and moral foundation of The Accord. It links animal welfare, domestic violence prevention, child protection, community safety, and human rights into a single moral project.
When we treat harm as connected, our responses become connected too. Movements that used to compete begin to reinforce one another.
The Evidence
Domestic violence survivors report animal abuse in the home.
Survivors delayed leaving due to fear for their animal.
Women in violent homes with animals saw animals also abused.
Animal abusers are more likely to have violent offences against humans.
What the Initiative Builds
Concept Papers & Position Briefs
Accessible, evidence-based publications that translate research into advocacy tools.
Case Study Documentation
Documenting real-world links between animal cruelty and human harm across Global South.
Cross-Sector Discussion Series
Convenings that bring animal advocates together with GBV, child protection, and community safety actors.
Systems Mapping of Harm Connections
Visual frameworks that show how harms reinforce one another and where intervention works.
Knowledge Outputs for Advocates
Toolkits, talking points, and training materials advocates can use in their own contexts.