Veterinary, Animal Welfare and Human Services In Bristol and Jersey, explore “The Link.”
Langford Vets in Bristol and Jersey have taken part in specialist training on the link between the abuse of animals and people in two events delivered by The Links Group, which brought together veterinary, animal welfare, and human service professionals to strengthen safeguarding practice across these sectors.
The first training, a practice inset day for the whole veterinary team including administrators, was hosted by Langford Vets in Bristol, England. Sessions provided focused education on the historical context of ‘The Link,’ responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act (2006), identifying non-accidental injury, clinical forensics, how animals are used as a strategy of coercive control in domestic abuse, information about The Links Group’s accredited specialist animal fostering services, and opportunities to incorporate new and innovative structures to support veterinary teams and clients from human services professionals.
‘The images and cases were hard to hear but I think it is necessary for the messaging.’
The second training, commissioned by the Government of Jersey, was in response to Recommendation 47 of the independent Jersey VAWG Taskforce’s report, which called for regular training for veterinary professionals in the island. The training was developed in collaboration with government officers and The Links Group, with support from Jersey’s Chief Veterinary Officer and colleagues from the Animal Health and Welfare Team, JSPCA and other key human service professional stakeholders including the NSPCC in Jersey.
‘The most important thing for me is learning how domestic abuse can go hand in hand with animal abuse. I was not aware that there were places which take in animals of domestic abuse-survivors whilst they get back on their feet.’
Sessions combined veterinary and human service perspectives, exploring the legislative and practical concerns of veterinary practice, managing animal welfare issues, including non-accidental injury, cross-reporting, multi-agency working, and the safeguarding of people and animals in Jersey, using case scenarios as an opportunity for practice reflection.
JSPCA’s CEO, Pam Aubert, said:
‘We were invited to take part in The Links Training sessions that took place in Jersey which was a first for the JSPCA Animal Shelter. We were privileged to support a group of experts as they delivered training around the links between Animal Abuse and Domestic Abuse and the human/animal bond. We presented the challenges we see around animal ownership regularly and the distress and upset that it causes. Working in collaboration with our local agencies has started as a result of this opportunity and we are looking forward to seeing it develop over the coming months. The Links Group have been excellent to work with and would welcome the opportunity again in the future should it arise.’
A new component of the training was the introduction of Veterinary Social Work, an emerging field illustrating how closer partnerships between veterinary practice and human services can improve safeguarding for both people and animals. Attendees responded positively to the idea of adopting a similar model in the UK and Jersey, recognising the benefits of a new approach to promoting the well-being and safety of patients, clients and veterinary and animal welfare teams.
Key learning point? ‘…potential use of Veterinary Social Workers in the future.’
Subject matter experts, including Dr Paula Boyden (Chair of The Links Group), Dr David Martin (Group Head of Animal Welfare, IVC Evidensia and veterinary expert witness), Jason Fletcher (Principal Prosecution Case Manager, RSPCA), Dr Mary Wakeham, (Senior Research Associate, University of Bristol & CEO of Refuge4Pets), and Rebecca Stephens (Associate Professor in Social Work, University of Sussex and Co-Director of Education, International Association of Veterinary Social Work), highlighted best practices in recognising and responding to abuse, and the importance of interdisciplinary, interagency collaboration for veterinary, animal welfare and human services professionals.
Feedback across both events demonstrated the relevance of the content to daily practice and the value of cross-professional dialogue.
‘I feel more confident/empowered to flag potential non-accidental injury even if I am unsure, and know more what to look for.’
This training marks a significant step forward in developing integrated safeguarding approaches in the UK and Jersey to protect animals and people.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Hattie Lawrence, CEO of Langford Vets, and Melissa Haake, Thomas Glover, policy officers at the Government of Jersey, for the invitations, support in delivering, and for making us feel so welcome.
We also thank Jersey speakers: Sarah Davy, MRCVS, JSPCA; Pam Aubert, CEO JSPCA; Amanda Ingram, Animal Health Officer, Animal Health and Welfare Team, Jersey; and the States of Jersey Police’s Detective Sergeant Persephone Bell and Inspector Aiden Quenault for contributing their expertise.
Special thanks and sincere appreciation go to Dr. Andrea Lynch, The Links Group’s Strategic Delivery Lead, for her exceptional leadership and unwavering support in making these training days possible.
Also including Jason Fletcher, RSPCA, an essential part of the team but not in the photo on the train platform due to travel chaos!
