Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, making important evaluations on incidents of animal violence that have resonated with the public, said, 'It proves that perpetrators of all kinds of violent crimes, from domestic violence to child abuse, injury, and murder, have definitely committed animal violence before.'
Prof. Dr. Atasoy said, 'Do not entrust your children to people you do not know. Do not leave your child with strangers, even if they are your neighbors. It is impossible to understand anyone just by looking at them from the outside.'
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Vice Rector and Head of Forensic Sciences Department Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy made important evaluations on incidents of animal violence that have resonated with the public in recent days.
Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy stated that situations such as the presence of children's toys in the home of a single, childless man and the discovery of animal remains indicate potential dangers and should be taken seriously. She noted that the presence of animal remains can raise concerns about the possible presence of human remains.
There is a very strong relationship between animal cruelty and violence against humans
Prof. Dr. Atasoy said, 'In any case, there is a very strong relationship between animal cruelty and violence against humans. All publications in psychology, sociology, and criminology over the last 40 years, all publications in this field, prove that the perpetrators of all kinds of violent crimes, from domestic violence to child abuse, injury, and murder, have definitely committed animal violence before. In other words, there is a very serious relationship between the two.'
Serial killers show serious violence towards animals in their childhood
Prof. Dr. Atasoy also stated that there have been famous serial killers throughout history who murdered many people, saying, 'There are examples of individuals who killed 10, or even 20 people. In the past, such individuals might not have been caught before committing numerous murders. However, with the development of DNA technology and improved investigation methods today, it has become possible to identify perpetrators earlier, before the number of murders escalates. Nevertheless, it has been observed that almost all known serial killers engaged in serious acts of violence against animals during their childhood. This fact is clearly known by experts in the field.'
Those who commit violent crimes in Turkey should be asked, 'Did you have an animal?'
Explaining that perpetrators of violent crimes in Turkey, including domestic violence, should be asked during investigations, 'Did you have an animal? Did you keep pets? Is there a history of animal cruelty, what is your story?', Prof. Dr. Atasoy continued:
'We do not scientifically know what this relationship is in Turkey. We know for the Western world. There is definitely a relationship. The presence of children's toys in the home of a single, childless man is a very dangerous incident. That is a separate sign. We also know of cases where individuals arranged children's toys in front of windows to attract children, invited them inside, played with them, but then murdered them. If a child's toy is found in the home of a single, childless person and is visible from the outside, this is a very serious sign of pedophilia. In other words, it is a sign of abusive behavior towards children.'
Do not leave your child, even if it's with your neighbor!
Prof. Dr. Atasoy also issued important warnings to citizens, stating that individuals with this profile can be found everywhere (in parks, neighborhood relationships, schools, workplaces) and cannot be understood just by looking at them from the outside.
Prof. Dr. Atasoy said, 'When you look from the outside, even individuals who have carried out the harshest tortures—and these can include people from every professional group—cannot be easily identified.' She further stated, 'Do not entrust your children to people you do not know. Do not leave your child with strangers, even if they are your neighbors. It is impossible to understand anyone just by looking at them from the outside.'
Animal violence is a situation that must be taken seriously!
Underlining that animal violence is a situation that must be taken very seriously, Prof. Dr. Atasoy concluded by saying, 'If there is a child who pulls off a fly's wing out of curiosity, tortures animals out of curiosity by asking "Can it fly?", holds a live cat's head underwater, or buries it in the ground, gouges out its eyes, cuts off its head, or slits its belly, the only solution is professional support. It is absolutely not possible to prevent this by any form of family punishment, by saying "don't go outside" or "I'll take your phone." This is a psychiatric disorder and must definitely be treated. Cruelty to animals at home will undoubtedly spread to other family members sooner or later.'