The two key findings were that children who were exposed to male-to-female domestic violence were significantly more likely to be cruel to animals and that exposed children who were cruel to animals were older than non-exposed children who were cruel to animals. The fact that exposed children who were cruel to animals were older suggests that the violence toward animals is a symptom of psychological disturbances related to domestic abuse exposure. Clinical intervention is suggested for these children. Research methods involved comparing a sample of 47 mothers with 2 children and a history of domestic violence with a matched sample of 45 mothers with 2 children and no history of domestic abuse. Participants were recruited through local newspapers, flyers, and poster boards in a central city in Canada. Mothers completed a number of surveys measuring demographic and child behavior information, including the Child Behavior Checklist. Data analysis involved the calculations of frequencies and the use of t-tests. Future studies of animal cruelty by children should focus on co-occurring risk and protective factors in the family. Tables, references