It may seem like we’ve been a bit quiet recently, but we’ve had our heads down working on a few projects, and we’ve been so looking forward to sharing this news with you.
Domestic abuse is a public health crisis, and “The Link” is truly a One Health, One Welfare issue. The Links Group works to raise awareness of the link between abuse of animals and abuse of people. We do this through collaboration, research, training and advocacy. Our vision is A world free from the abuse of people and animals.
So when the independent Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce on Jersey published their report, ‘The issue of violence against women and girls in Jersey’, we were delighted to see Recommendation 47 stand out for us amongst their 77 recommendations to tackle the identified issues.
Recommendation 47 stated, “Veterinary professionals in Jersey should receive regular training on the link between animal abuse and domestic abuse, indicators of domestic abuse and the referral pathways available to victim-survivors on the island.”
We have developed a bespoke training course for all member of vet teams on Jersey. We have worked closely with the Government of Jersey and key stakeholders on the island to ensure we bring an approach that is relevant to the legislative and practical concerns of Jersey life, practice, animal welfare and safeguarding of people.
The response of everyone we’ve spoken with on the island has been incredible, with clear recognition of the need for appropriate cross-reporting and communication, avoidance of silos, and effective multi-agency working to tackle the crisis of domestic abuse and animal abuse. It’s been a busy but invigorating time, building this course and working in partnership with so many agencies and the generous individuals who have given their time freely and so willingly. We are aware that not everyone wants to take the credit for this, but we would like to say a huge THANK YOU for your support. This course would not be the same without you.
We’ve developed this course for vet teams, by vet teams. This innate understanding of practice life and the demands on every member of the practice team from cleaners and caretakers to practice managers and directors brings that essential element to the content and communication of this course. The Links Group are uniquely placed to develop and deliver such training in the UK and Channel Islands.
Thank you to all the vets, registered veterinary nurses, veterinary receptionists (BVRA, we cannot thank you enough!), managers and animal welfare professionals who have contributed to this course content; as well as to the subject matter experts in domestic abuse, child abuse and the human-animal bond. You know who you are, and we are very grateful for your ongoing support in raising awareness of “The Link” and how to respond safely and appropriately.
