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Protecting Animals, Protecting People
Virtual learning
Register for free access to our learning hub, with virtual training courses, videos and downloadable guides.
For veterinary and animal welfare professionals, people working to safeguard others, and anyone who wants to understand more about the link between abuse of people and animals.
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Free learning resources
The hub includes Protecting Animals, Protecting People and safeguarding courses for individuals, organisations and associations.
Explore the example videos below or access the full learning hub.
Before you watch
These videos discuss domestic abuse and the experiences of victim-survivors, both people and animals. Some content may be difficult to see or hear. Support information is available on our Affected by Abuse page.
What is Domestic Abuse?
Jill Caldwell
Chief Executive Officer, Endeavour Project
The scale and forms of domestic abuse, signs to look for, ways to respond and common myths.
Date added: 28 May 2025
Animal Abuse as a Strategy of Coercive Control
Dr Mary Wakeham
Chief Executive Officer, Refuge4Pets
The human-animal bond, animal abuse in the context of domestic abuse, findings from Mary’s research and practical tools for professionals.
Content note: Includes discussion of animal abuse in domestic abuse.
Download the adapted wheels below
Date added: 15 November 2024
Support for People & Pets
Amy Hyde
National Lifeline Service Manager, Cats Protection
Options for people and pets escaping domestic abuse, risk factors to consider and specialist domestic abuse animal fostering services.
Date added: 5 November 2024
The Link and its Relevance in Social Work and Social Care
Rebecca Stephens
Associate Professor in Social Work, University of Sussex
Why pets matter in social work, the relevance of the link to practice, theories and legislation, and approaches to human and animal-centred practice.
Date added: 5 March 2025
Download the adapted wheels
Resources accompanying Dr Mary Wakeham’s video. Open the original PDFs for the complete diagrams and credits.
Power and Control Wheel
Abuse of Animals Wheel
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