Domestic Abuse, Domestic Violence and Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

Why This Matters

Abusers often use pets to exert power and control—whether through threats, harm, or emotional manipulation. This not only endangers animals but also becomes a significant barrier for victims trying to escape. Recognising this link is critical for those working in law enforcement, veterinary medicine, social work, and beyond.

Must-Watch Webinar: Companion Animals and Domestic Abuse – A Powerful Discussion

If you’re passionate about safeguarding both human and animal lives in the context of domestic abuse, then the recent 2 Bedford Row webinar is essential viewing.

Webinar Title: Companion Animals and Domestic Abuse: Controlling and Coercive Behaviours
📺 Watch the webinar here

This thought-provoking webinar brings together leading experts from the legal, veterinary, and safeguarding sectors to explore a disturbing but often overlooked issue: how family pets are used as tools of control and coercion in abusive relationships. Crucially, it highlights how abuse of companion animals can serve as vital evidence of controlling and coercive behaviours.

Speakers:

• Marcia Hyde – Barrister
• Rachel Horman-Brown – Solicitor specialising in domestic abuse
• Dr David Martin – Veterinary Surgeon and expert witness (vetexpertwitness.co.uk)

Together, these professionals shine a light on the intersection of animal welfare and domestic abuse, calling for increased awareness and stronger legal responses.

Key Organisations and Advocates Working at the Frontline

The Links Group

A multidisciplinary group dedicated to addressing the links between animal abuse and human violence.
🔗 Website
📱 Instagram | Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn

Naturewatch Foundation

A leading UK charity campaigning against animal cruelty and raising awareness of the link between animal and human abuse.
🔗 Website
📱 Instagram | Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn

Hidden In Sight

A powerful initiative raising awareness of the often hidden intersection between animal cruelty and human abuse.
🔗 Website
📱 Instagram | Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn

Key Advocates and Trailblazers

Maya Badham – Founder of SAHSDA (Safeguarding Animal & Human Survivors of Sexual and Domestic Abuse)
🔗 LinkedIn
🌐 SAHSDA Website

Mark Randell – Investigator and animal welfare advocate
🔗 LinkedIn

Dr Mary Wakeham – Founder of Refuge4Pets, a vital UK-based pet fostering service that enables survivors to escape abuse without leaving their pets behind.
🔗 Refuge4Pets Website
🔗 LinkedIn

This webinar and the organisations featured are taking important steps to break the silence and protect both human and animal survivors. Please share widely and support these initiatives however you can.

Fleeing Domestic Abuse with a Pet

A promising new development in Ireland’s domestic abuse response is ensuring that survivors no longer have to leave their pets behind. For many, the fear for a beloved animal is a powerful barrier to escaping an abusive situation. Now, some services across the country are offering safe accommodation for both survivors and their pets—a compassionate and much-needed change – Find out more about this initiative between the DSPCA and SONAS.

More Resources

Find more resources on domestic abuse, domestic violence, coercive control and gender-based violence (GBV).