Event Overview
How to recognise and act on non-accidental injury and domestic abuse: Training for large, small and equine veterinary teams – a multi-agency approach
Brought to you by The Links Group and BSAVA Wales Region
Identifying non-accidental injury is rarely simple: and those who have encountered cases of suspected abuse talk about the ‘difficulty of diagnosis’. Vets may not see cases of animal abuse daily, weekly or monthly but the incidence is on the increase and the most challenging cases are those of deliberate harm rather than ‘neglect’, through failing to meet an animal’s needs. Nevertheless, both are distressing. As trusted individuals (the bond between owner and vet practice is often very strong), members of the veterinary team may receive information about an incident that constitutes abuse, against an animal or a vulnerable individual. Increasingly, it is recognised that the animal may be the index case that triggers further investigation into abusive households.
This session will provide guidance on setting up a practice protocol and identifying a practice links adviser who will assist those involved in the veterinary team to manage suspected cases of abuse. Through the link adviser, effective relationships with local authority welfare officers, police domestic abuse officers and aid agencies should be set up so that vets have expert support when they suspect animal or human abuse. The training gives comprehensive guidance about recording clinical notes and importantly, what to do when dealing with disclosure from a human victim of abuse.
Our speakers include representatives from agencies working with domestic abuse and will cover:
- An introduction to the complexity of abuse,
- the challenges of fleeing domestic abuse
- the impact of domestic abuse on children
- recognising abuse/non-accidental injury in animals
- documenting vital information/clinical forensics
- the police, domestic abuse and understanding where animal abuse fits in
- animal welfare – the legal perspective
- the benefits of a multi-agency approach
- pet fostering services for those fleeing domestic abuse
There will also be opportunities for questions and discussion. Please select speakers tab for more information on our multi-agency speakers.
These meetings will be FREE to BSAVA members. Numbers strictly limited to 30 delegates; Bookings for Non-members will be £50 inc VAT
Please book early to secure your place, as numbers are limited.
Intended for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses
Prices
BSAVA, Members FREE, Non-Member Vet £50 inc VAT
