Dogs Trust domestic abuse service launches across the North West as shocking statistics show scale of abuse against pets in domestic abuse cases
Almost nine in 10 professionals working in the domestic abuse sector have seen cases where a pet has also been abused, according to shocking new statistics released by Dogs Trust. The figures have been released as the charity launches its Freedom project in the North West, supporting people fleeing domestic abuse by providing temporary accommodation for their dogs.
Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, polled over 370 professionals who work with survivors of domestic abuse, to better understand the scale of abuse against pets within abusive relationships.
Worryingly, the findings showed that almost half of professionals working in the sector are aware of domestic abuse cases where the pet has been killed. In addition to the physical abuse that pets may suffer, 97% of professionals said they are also often used as a means of controlling someone experiencing domestic abuse.
More than nine in 10 professionals also said that some survivors will not leave their home without knowing their pet would be safe.
In 2004 Dogs Trust launched its Freedom Project, offering vital support for dog owners who are escaping from domestic abuse. The Freedom Project provides foster homes for dogs and enables survivors to access safe accommodation without the fear of what may happen to their dog if left behind. Dogs Trust offers this service as many refuges are unable to accept dogs, so this important service gives pet owners the opportunity to escape abuse, safe in the knowledge that their dogs will also be safe and well cared for.
The service currently operates across the whole of Scotland and in 29 counties across England. The service has helped 1,418 dogs and 1,083 people since launching. Since launching in the North West we have already fostered 14 dogs and reunited five dogs with their owners.
Dogs Trust has now expanded its Freedom project, into the North West to work alongside Paws for Kids (Endeavour Project Domestic Abuse Services) who have been providing vital domestic abuse support services to people experiencing domestic abuse for the past 20 years. Dogs Trust and Paws for Kids (Endeavour Project Domestic Abuse Services) have now joined together to provide a full pet fostering service to people living in the North West, with Dogs Trust providing foster care for dogs, and Paws for Kids providing pet fostering for cats and small pets.
Joanne Jackson, Dogs Trust Freedom Project Coordinator for the North West said:
“Alongside suffering physical abuse, we know that dogs are also often used by perpetrators as a means to coerce and control their partners. This is incredibly frightening for survivors and can range from perpetrators stopping their partner from accessing vet care for their dogs or spending money on dog food, through to repeatedly threatening to harm, kill or ‘get rid’ of their dogs. As many refuges are unable to accept pets, survivors are understandably concerned about their dog’s safety when they need to escape.
“We have recently expanded our Freedom Project into the North West to support even more survivors and their pets from abuse. We need foster carers in the North West so that we can continue this life-saving work.”
Luke Hart and Ryan Hart, whose mother, sister and dog were killed by their abusive father, and who advocate for the vital need of Dogs Trust Freedom Project said:
“Pets suffer domestic abuse too. We only realised after our father had murdered our mother, Claire, and 19-year-old sister, Charlotte, that he had also killed one of our dogs, Max, just weeks before. Max had died suddenly when our father was alone with him, and our father claimed it was due to natural causes, however we have since learned that pet abuse is a common tactic for domestic abusers.
“Our dogs meant so much to us and leaving them behind was never an option. The Freedom Project is so important because by helping pets flee to safety, it gives peace of mind to victims and allows the victims to escape too, knowing their dear pets are safe and sound.”
Jill Caldwell CEO of domestic abuse charity, Paws for Kids (Endeavour Project Domestic Abuse Services), said:
“We are pleased to be working alongside Dogs Trust to extend and develop the pet fostering service in the North West. Between us, we hope to be able to help more families to escape from domestic abuse and ensure their much-loved pets are safe. Through the many calls Paws for Kids (Endeavour Project Domestic Abuse Services) receive we know the difference the pet fostering service makes to individual owners and their pets is life-changing and paramount to the safety of the family”
Dogs Trust Freedom Project needs foster carers in the North West to support this vital service. If you think you can help or would like more information on the service, please visit: www.dogstrustfreedomproject.org.uk Alternatively contact freedomproject@dogstrust.org.uk or call 0800 298 9199.
