Vet initiative to help tackle domestic abuse
The course also addresses the abuse of the human-animal bond.
A veterinary initiative will seek to tackle domestic abuse, by highlighting its link with animal abuse cases.
The new online training course has been designed to help those working in homes, who may not have animal welfare knowledge, to recognise the link between the abuse of animals and the abuse of people.
It has been created by The Links Group, funded by a grant from the Pets Foundation. It was designed in collaboration with subject matter experts, including experts on domestic abuse, policing, and animal welfare.
The course, 'Protecting Animals, Protecting People: in the Home', is a free, modular course available for a range of professions and individuals.
This includes safeguarding professionals working in or around the home, those required to report suspicions of abuse, and those who do not have this statutory duty, but still encounter causes of concern.
The course offers an introduction to domestic abuse, abuse of children and the abuse of animals, highlighting 'The Link' between the three. It also addresses the use and abuse of the human-animal bond, and the role of specialist domestic abuse animal fostering services.
Learners will be signposted to the appropriate responses to abuse concerns, as well as sources of support in these circumstances.
Paula Boyden, Links Group Chair, said: “Domestic abuse is a public health crisis, and ‘The Link’ between abuse of animals and abuse of people is a significant One Health, One Welfare issue which we’re committed to tackling. We’re so excited to launch this course which forms another key part of this work.
“We’re also incredibly grateful for both the support of the Pets Foundation, which has made its development a reality, and for the panel of experts who provided their time and expertise to help us develop the content.
“It is only by working together to raise awareness of all those impacted by domestic abuse that we can better protect animals and humans in homes where this abuse occurs.”
The course can be accessed on The Links Group's Virtual Learning page.
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