Dr. Mary Wakeham’s work, Animal Abuse as a Strategy of Coercive Control, has been instrumental in informing conversations around this topic in the UK and beyond. Mary is also founder and CEO of Refuge4Pets in Devon and Cornwall, one of the four Links Group Accredited Specialist Domestic Abuse Animal Fostering Services.
Mary is currently undertaking a Defra-funded research study based at the University of Bristol into The Use and Abuse of Animals in Domestic Abuse-Related Death, supported by Refuge4Pets and The Links Group.
This research is in its next phase, with the call for participants to take part closing on 30 June 2026. Please see the details below from the research team.
If you are in one of those categories and feel able to do so, please do complete the survey. We encourage you to share it throughout your networks and thank you for your support in helping Mary and the team in their essential work Protecting Animals, Protecting People.
📢 Call for Research Participants
We are conducting a research study exploring how animals are used and abused by perpetrators of domestic abuse. The aim of this work is to deepen understanding and ultimately reduce harm to both people and animals.
Since we launched the study in December 2025, 198 people have taken part. This includes survivors of domestic abuse, family members, friends, witnesses affected by domestic abuse–related deaths, and professionals.
We are especially keen to hear from:
- Survivors from Black and minoritised communities
- Survivors from LGBTQ+ communities
- Family members who have been affected by domestic abuse–related death.
Eligibility:
You must be 18 or over and currently living in the UK.
Take part in the online survey
You can complete the survey here:
https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/sps/the-use-and-abuse-of-animals-in-domestic-abuse-related-deaths-s
Prefer to take part in an interview?
Register your interest here:
https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/sps/research-interview-participant-recruitment
Thank you for your support.
