Prof. Sevil Atasoy: “Violence toward animals is a indicator of violence against humans”
Prof. Sevil Atasoy made important evaluations regarding recent incidents involving violence toward animals that have caused public outrage. She stated that “From domestic violence to child abuse, physical assault, and even murder, it has been proven that perpetrators of all types of violent crimes have previously committed acts of violence against animals.”
Prof. Atasoy also warned: “Do not entrust your children to people you do not know. Even if someone is your neighbor, you should not leave your child with them. It is impossible to understand someone just by looking at them from the outside.”
Prof. Atasoy, Vice Rector of Üsküdar University and Head of the Department of Forensic Sciences, emphasized that situations such as a single man without children having toys in his home and the discovery of animal remains are clear warning signs and should be taken very seriously. The discovery of animal remains can also raise concerns about the possible presence of human remains.
There is a strong link between animal abuse and violence toward humans
Prof. Atasoy emphasized that “In any case, there is a strong link between cruelty to animals and violence directed at human beings. All publications in the fields of psychology, sociology, and criminology over the past forty years show that individuals who commit crimes such as domestic abuse, child molestation, physical assault, or murder have previously shown aggression toward animals. There is a very serious correlation between these behaviors.”
Serial killers often have a history of animal abuse in their childhood
Referring to well-known serial killers throughout history who have killed many people, Prof. Atasoy stated that “There are examples of individuals who have murdered ten or even twenty people. In the past, such individuals were often not caught until they had committed many murders. However, with advancements in DNA technology and improvements in investigation methods, perpetrators can now be identified before committing multiple crimes. Even so, it has been determined that almost all known serial killers committed serious acts of violence toward animals during their childhood. This fact is clearly recognized by professionals in the field.”
In Türkiye, those involved in violent crime should be asked: ‘did you have a pet?’
Prof. Atasoy explained that during investigations involving violent crimes, including domestic violence, it is necessary to ask individuals the following questions:
“Did you have a pet? Have you ever cared for an animal? Do you have a history of treating animals badly?” She continued her remarks as follows: “We do not yet know the scientific basis for this connection in Türkiye, but we do know it exists in the Western world. There is absolutely a connection. For instance, finding children’s toys in the home of a single man with no children is extremely alarming. This is a warning sign. There are known cases where individuals have placed toys in their windows to attract children, played with them, and then murdered them. If toys are found in such a setting and are visible from outside, it is a very serious indicator of pedophilic behavior. It is a potential sign of an individual who may harm children.”
Do not leave your children, even with a neighbor
Issuing a public warning, Prof. Atasoy stressed that individuals who pose such risks can be found anywhere, such as in parks, neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces, and that these people cannot be identified just by their appearance. She said that “Even individuals who have committed the most severe acts of torture may come from all professional backgrounds. Do not entrust your children to individuals you do not know well. Even if they are your neighbor, do not leave your child with them. You cannot understand a person just by looking at them from the outside.”
Violence toward animals must be taken seriously
Emphasizing the seriousness of animal cruelty, Prof. Atasoy stated that “If a child pulls the wings off a fly out of curiosity, tortures animals to see what happens, holds a live cat under water, buries it alive, gouges out its eyes, cuts off its head, or slits its stomach, and the only solution is professional help. This cannot be resolved by punishing the child, grounding them, or taking away their mobile phone. This is a psychiatric disorder and must be treated. Cruelty toward animals in the home will inevitably affect other family members over time.”
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)