First, research and anecdotal reports on violence toward children and violence toward animals point to a connection. Even though there is minimal research on this topic, intriguing links between animal and child cruelty have been demonstrated and described in a review by Ascione (1992). This review found higher rates of animal abuse by parental figures in substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect than in the general population. Abused animals were found in 88 percent of the homes of 57 families with pets in which child abuse or neglect had been substantiated. Two- thirds of the pets were abused by fathers; one-third were abused by children. A second reason to explore the link is that the etiology and expression of cruel behavior in children are not well understood, and the study of children's cruelty to animals may be a revealing source of information. A third reason is that society apparently has a lower tolerance for cruelty and damage to animals than for cruelty and damage to children, and the link between violence to both may be used for mutual benefit. Fourth, researchers can broaden coverage for children by linking child and animal abuse prevention and early intervention programs. Finally, the animal/child abuse link can be explored when there is suspicion of child abuse by asking questions of children and caregivers about the treatment of pets. 16 references