Christina Warner has recently had an article published in the April edition of Counsel Magazine.

The article is titled Breaking the Silence: Confronting Animal Sexual Abuse and can be read in full here. 

Christina has said the below on the article: 

"Animal sexual abuse is a deeply distressing and often overlooked crime. In my latest article with Maya Badham (Safeguarding Animal & Human Survivors of Sexual and Domestic Abuse (SAHSDA)) for COUNSEL Magazine we confront this harrowing subject, shedding light on the legal, ethical, and psychological aspects of the issue.

This is not just an animal welfare concern, it is a human safety issue, with clear links between animal abuse and domestic and sexual violence.

Despite existing legislation, enforcement is inconsistent, leaving vulnerable animals exposed to unimaginable cruelty. The legal system must be strengthened to recognise all forms of sexual abuse against animals and ensure offenders face appropriate justice.

The evidence is undeniable: research consistently demonstrates that perpetrators of animal sexual abuse are at a heightened risk of committing other violent crimes, including child sexual abuse and domestic abuse. Yet, this crime remains underreported, under-prosecuted, and often dismissed as a lesser offence. This failure has dire consequences, not only for the animals who suffer but for the humans who are at risk.

We must ask ourselves: why do we hesitate to acknowledge this crisis? Why is there still legal ambiguity surrounding an act so profoundly violent and destructive? We have a moral and legal duty to close the gaps in our justice system, ensuring animals, sentient beings who experience pain, fear, and suffering, are fully protected.

Ending animal sexual abuse is not just about safeguarding animals. It’s about preventing cycles of violence that harm our entire society. It’s time to break the silence."