Our Vision
A world free from the abuse of people and animals.
Our Mission
We raise awareness of the link between the abuse of people and animals through support, training and inter-agency working.
Our Values
- We educate with compassion
- We communicate and collaborate.
- We are supportive and non-judgemental.
- We work with respect and sensitivity.
- We promote good human and animal welfare.
- We are evidence-based and empathetic.
For almost 20 years the Links Group has driven change, research, training and support for all professionals.
The Links Group was initially formed in 2001 as a working group following a conference held following the publication of a paper published in the JSAP which explored the concept of Non-Accidental Injury (NAI) in pets, and coined the phrase ‘the battered pet’. It made the link between the subjects of child abuse, animal abuse and domestic violence – and the group united agencies working in these areas by ‘forging the link’ between a network of motivated people representing different, relevant agencies with different areas of expertise.
the golden moment
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The Golden Moment
Dr Freda Scott-Park from The Links Group spoke to the Animal Welfare Foundation about "The Golden Moment" in 2013. In this, she explains the role the veterinary profession can play in grasping that moment when it is possible to help victims of domestic abuse, both animals and people. You can view her talk here.
OUR TEN YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN (2020 - 2030)
- Develop the Links Group as a sustainable organisation.
- Deliver one under-graduate training course per year in all UK vet schools.
- Deliver 3 funded LVTI days per year alongside partner organisations at different locations across the UK.
- Develop an LVTI online training course for vet teams.
- Create a suite of resources and collateral for vet teams.
- To have over 1,000 safeguarding liaison officers in organisations.
- To fully establish the Links Group as the go-to expert resource on this issue.
- To increase the provision of pet fostering services across the UK.
- To set appropriate standards for pet fostering services.
- Establish an overarching and underpinning marketing and communications plan.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE
- Veterinary undergraduate training - we have a presence in nearly all UK vet schools, educating third year students on the link
- Launched a nationwide training programme the Links Veterinary Training Initiative (LVTI) in partnership with BSAVA
- Online module for healthcare professionals
- The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has added an annexe to the Guide to Professional Conduct providing advice on breaching confidentiality in certain circumstances.
Member ORGANISATIONS
RSPCA
Refuge4Pets
Refuge4Pets
Refuge4Pets
Refuge4Pets
Refuge4Pets
Dogs Trust
Refuge4Pets
Paws Protect
Paws Protect
Brownlow Vet Group (IVC)
Paws Protect
Brownlow Vet Group (IVC)
Brownlow Vet Group (IVC)
Brownlow Vet Group (IVC)
pdsa
Brownlow Vet Group (IVC)
Brownlow Vet Group (IVC)
Forensic Access Limited
Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL)
Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL)
Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL)
Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL)
Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL)
