Training day announced on abuse
"It’s essential that teams are aware of the issue and have a practice protocol in place for if they feel something isn’t quite right with a case.” – Vicki Betton.
The Links Group and BSAVA have announced plans for a new training day focused on recognising and acting on non-accidental injuries and understanding the links between animal abuse and domestic abuse.
The event will take place on 2 February 2023 at the Dunadry Hotel & Gardens, Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is open to both large, small and equine veterinary teams.
Subjects covered by the event will include how to recognise abuse and non-accidental injuries in animals, how to set up a practice protocol, and what to do when a human victim discloses that they have been abused.
Announcing the session, Vicki Betton, vice-chair of The Links Group, said: “It’s a difficult subject for many to even consider, but with reported cases of domestic abuse reaching an all-time high during the pandemic, it’s essential that teams are aware of the issue and have a practice protocol in place for if they feel something isn’t quite right with a case.”
The session will be run in partnership with the North of Ireland Veterinary Association and the Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practising in Northern Ireland and supported by the British Veterinary Association NI Branch and the Animal Welfare Foundation.
The list of confirmed speakers includes:
• Detective Superintendent Lindsay Fisher - Public Protection Branch, PSNI
• Marie Brown - CEO Foyle Family Justice Centre
• Sarah Mason - CEO of Women's Aid Federation NI
• Sonya McMullan - Regional Services Manager, Women’s Aid NI
• Ineke Houtenbos - Senior Training & Development Consultant NSPCC NI
• Neal Gartland - Director of Animal Health and Welfare Policy, DAERA
• David Martin - Group Animal Welfare Advisor at IVC Evidensia and veterinary expert witness
• Paula Boyden - Veterinary Director at Dogs Trust and Links Group Chair
• Vicki Betton - Communications Director at BVA and Links Group Vice-Chair
There will also be opportunities for discussion and questions.
The event will be the sixth Links Veterinary Training Initiative day. The series is being relaunched after it was paused due to the Covid pandemic and six more events are planned between now and June 2024.
If you would like to book your place on the training day, you can do so on the BSAVA website. The event is free to BSAVA, NIVA and AVSPNI members. Booking for non-members is £50 inc. VAT.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
