Virtual Learning

Welcome to our Virtual Learning hub

Please register HERE to access our free resources, including our virtual training courses, videos and downloadable guides.

This includes our Protecting Animals, Protecting People, and safeguarding courses for all individuals, organisations and associations.

Whether you’re working as a professional in the veterinary and animal welfare fields, or are an allied professional working in an area involving the safeguarding of people, or if you simply want to know more about this important area, there’s something for everyone.

This area is regularly updated and the content will be added to in response to your feedback, so if you can’t find what you’re looking for, get in touch and tell us what you would like to see more of.

Below are some training videos as an example of what you can expect to see on our Virtual Learning Hub.

Some of the content of these videos may be difficult to see and hear as we do share the experiences of victim-survivors of domestic abuse, both people and animals. We have included information about support services for anyone impacted by the content, and you can find out more information on our Affected by Abuse page.

What is Domestic Abuse?

Jill Caldwell, Chief Executive Officer at Endeavour Project, a Community Domestic Abuse Service talks about the scale of domestic abuse in the UK, various forms domestic abuse takes, signs to watch out for and how to respond. Jill also explores some of the myths around domestic abuse.

Date added: 28th May 2025

Animal Abuse as a Strategy of Coercive Control

Content Warning:

Dr Mary Wakeham, Chief Executive Officer at Refuge4Pets, talks about the human-animal bond as well as the dynamics and implications of animal abuse in the context of domestic abuse. Mary summarises aspects of her research and introduces practical tools for professionals supporting victim-survivors of domestic abuse.

  • Download the officially adapted Power and Control Wheel here
  • Download the officially adapted Abuse of Animals Wheel here

Date added: 15th November 2024

Support for People & Pets

Amy Hyde, National Lifeline Service Manager at Cats Protection talks about support for people and their pets escaping domestic abuse. Amy discusses the options available, risk factors to consider and specialist domestic abuse animal fostering services in the UK.

Date added: 5th November 2024

The Link and its Relevance in Social Work and Social Care

Rebecca Stephens, Associate Professor in Social Work, University of Sussex, talks about why pets matter and the relevance of ‘the link’ in social work practice, theories and legislation and strategies for developing a human and animal-centred practice framework.

Date added: 5th March 2025