Violent Dreams

A bit embarassing to admit but I regularly have nightmares with themes of severe violent sexual mutilation and torture. I mean full-on, out-there hard-core, extreme sexual abuse to men, women, children and animals. I don't feature in the dreams usually. I float in them as a helpless bystander forced to watch others' suffering. They seem to go on for a long time. I can feel myself trying to wake up out of it but can't I get all worked up emotionally till finally wake with a fast heart rate and heavy breathing. I wake feeling very emotional, traumatised and distressed. These nightmares while sexual do no turn me on. They terrify and repulse me. And I'm ashamed and embarassed that I have them.
I want to know why I have them, what they mean, and whether other people have the same or similar.
I also have nightmares about animals being tortured and maimed with me trying unsuccessfully trying to save them. Any thoughts?

i tend to think that most of the stuff in dreams is the dream-mind trying to find patterns in life's experiences, and straighten up stuff it got mangled in waking time.

if that's true, then you are likely seeing things in your life that make you cringe, but you can't do anything to stop. or it might be memories.

often animals are said to be emotions, and people are thoughts. does any of that apply to you ?

Yes, thank you Gus. And thanks for being the only person who replied to this thread hehe. I was once told that the puppies and kittens represent me - that I need saving and nurturing. It's true about me seeing things in life which make me cringe. Thanks for that.