Training Events

We offer training to a wide range of professionals to help raise awareness about the link between the abuse of people and animals and how to safeguard all victim-survivors. Everyone is welcome, and the training is particularly relevant to veterinary teams, animal welfare teams and people working in domestic abuse and sexual violence services, police, social workers, health workers, housing teams and more.

30th September 2026 Event Speakers

Title: Equestrian and community safeguarding event, hosted by Riding for the Disabled Association Causeway Coast & Glens and The Links Group.

Marcella Leonard

Leonard Consultancy & Associates

A middle-aged man with short dark hair and glasses, wearing a light blue striped shirt and a green lanyard, looks at the camera in an indoor setting with light-coloured walls. This image features Paul Stephenson, who is serving as an event speaker.

Paul Stephenson

Senior Consultant – NSPCC SPORT

Dr David Martin

Group Head of Animal Welfare, IVC Evidensia & Veterinary Expert

Dr Susan Lagdon, MBE, a woman with long brown hair wearing glasses and a dark top, smiles at the camera in an indoor setting with wooden panelled walls.

Susan Lagdon, MBE

Senior Lecturer in Psychology (Mental Health)
Mary Wakeham, CEO for Refuge4pets, with her blonde hair, looks tenderly at a black and white dog, who gazes thoughtfully into the distance. Together, they are close, conveying a sense of affection and companionship.

Dr. Mary Wakeham, BA (Hons), MA, MRes, PhD

Chief Executive Officer of Refuge4Pets and Senior Research Associate, University of Bristol.
Dr Rita Seery, dressed in a dark jacket, stands next to a white horse in a grassy field, with trees and sunlight providing a serene backdrop.

Dr. Rita Seery, BSc MSc PhD

Human–Animal Bond specialist
Andrea Lynch - Strategic Delivery Lead

Dr Andrea Lynch

Strategic Delivery Lead – The Links Group

Ryan Somerville – Speaker, wearing glasses, a dark suit, and a patterned tie, smiles whilst standing against a light-coloured wall.

Ryan Somerville

Ending Violence Against Women & Girls Directorate, The Executive Office
Police Service Northern Ireland - PSNI Logo

Brian Shankey

Sergeant | Strategic Partnerships and Prevention
Local Policing

Webinar Speakers

Title: The Use and Abuse of Animals by Perpetrators of Domestic Abuse

Target Audience: All sessions are for people working in human and/or animal welfare services

Jacqui Kilburn

Jacqui Kilburn

Recently retired Women’s Aid Federation of England Head of Training and Education

Mary Wakeham, CEO for Refuge4pets, with her blonde hair, looks tenderly at a black and white dog, who gazes thoughtfully into the distance. Together, they are close, conveying a sense of affection and companionship.

Dr. Mary Wakeham, BA (Hons), MA, MRes, PhD

Chief Executive Officer of Refuge4Pets and Senior Research Associate, University of Bristol.
Natalie Ratcliffe

Natalie Ratcliffe

Regional Manager for Lifeline, Cat Protection’s Pet Fostering Service
A woman with long brown hair and a black top smiles at the camera, holding a brown and tan dachshund close to her—Louise Gostling, Event Speaker, shares a warm and inviting moment with her beloved pet.

Louise Gostling

Freedom Regional Manager (South and East of England & Yorkshire)

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Principals of Engagement

Sharing your personal data for Ticketed Events

Your information will be stored and accessed by Links Group Accredited Fostering Service partners for the purposes of administering these webinars. We will only use the contact details you provide to respond to queries that you raise relating to the webinar and to send out resources following the training. Our Privacy Policy can be found at the following link