How Can Animal Cruelty Be Related To Interpersonal Violence

I believe animal cruelty can be related to interpersonal violence and believe it is very important not to ignore the signs of animal cruelty. These types of violence need to be investigated and kept track of by the proper authorities. History and studies have shown us that the perpetrator in child abuse and domestic abuse case have many times had a history of animal abuse and cruelty also.
Animals, normally dogs and cats, are normally considered members of the family. So when these animals are abused, there is a great indication that there is possibility other abuse going on in the family also. Animals are very vulnerable because they have no voice to be able to speak out in reference to the abuse. Much like a child might not speak out