Virtual Learning

The Links Group’s founding trustees, Chair Paula Boyden and Vice-Chair Vicki Betton, with trustees Dr. Mary Wakeham and Rebecca Stephens, talk about The Link Between Abuse of Animals and Abuse of People: The Veterinary Team. Thank you to The Ralph, the UK’s largest independent specialist referral centre for cats and dogs, for their generous support in running the webinar and providing this video.

Laura Saunders, Dogs Trust Freedom Manager and Louise Gostling, Dogs Trust Freedom Regional Manager talk about the impact that domestic abuse can have on dogs.

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.

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

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.

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.