Mims Davies MP backs charity campaign to strengthen support for domestic abuse victims with pets
On October 22nd, Mims Davies MP, attended a charity event in Parliament to show support for those affected by domestic abuse where pets are involved.
This important drop-in event was hosted by Gloucestershire-based animal welfare charity, Naturewatch Foundation, and the All-party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG).
Naturewatch Foundation highlighted that pets are often used to coercively control victims of domestic abuse. Perpetrators threaten to torture or kill animals in a bid to manipulate their victim, who often delay leaving to protect their pet. This increases the danger and adds pressure to already-stretched safeguarding resources.
As part of their ‘Protect Animals. Protect People’ campaign, the charity recommends:
- Adding animal abuse awareness to the domestic abuse prevention toolkit, and
- Increasing support for the animal victims of domestic abuse.
The campaign was launched to complement Naturewatch Foundation’s work aimed at breaking ‘the link’ between animal and domestic abuse. It formed the basis of their existing projects across Eastern Europe and, in June 2023, the charity extended the campaign into England and Wales.
Since the launch, 93% of police websites across England and Wales have been changed and now offer advice to survivors of abuse where animals are involved. Police policies and training programmes have also been adapted.
If you are affected by the issues covered in this article, there is help available:
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247
- Dogs Trust Freedom - 0800 298 9199
- Cats Protection Lifeline - 03000 121212
- Refuge4Pets - 0300 4000 121
- Endeavour project - 01204 394 842
Mims Davies MP said:
I was pleased to join Naturewatch Foundation's Animal Abuse within Domestic Abuse event in Parliament on Tuesday.
Both the abuse of people and animals is increasing and we can't turn a blind eye.
Where these crimes overlap, there are opportunities to make relationships, families and communities safer for both people and animals, including in East Grinstead, Uckfield and the villages.
Thank you to the whole team for organising such an important event, and if you have been affected, please do seek help.
