Got a spare 8 minutes and able to access BBC iPlayer during this No More Week? Watch Dr. Mary Wakeham, Refuge4Pets founder and The Links Group stalwart, outline the role of domestic abuse animal fostering services in saying ‘No More’ to domestic abuse, and share this vital information if you can. Please be mindful that the subject matter may be triggering. Details of organisations offering support are available here.
Mary can be seen and heard here on BBC’s Morning Live episode which aired on 26th February 2025. Running from 35-43 minutes in, “Helen”, a survivor, bravely spoke about her experience of domestic abuse and how finding Refuge4Pets helped her to flee. Anna talked about her role as a foster carer and the benefits that brings, before Mary spoke about the impact that abuse can have on the animals too.
The Morning Live team showed the four Links Group Accredited Specialist Domestic Abuse Animal Fostering Services of Refuge4Pets, Endeavour, Lifeline and Freedom.
No More Week is an annual opportunity to come together and raise awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence, running from 2nd March and ending on International Women’s Day, 8th March.
This year’s focus is ‘No More Silence’ and our colleagues at Hestia hope to inspire individuals, organisations and communities to say ‘NO MORE’ to domestic abuse and help make a change.
Animals are often silent, voiceless victims of domestic abuse, and so “No More Silence” is a particularly apt message, as we at The Links Group, Refuge4Pets, Endeavour, Lifeline and Freedom work to raise awareness of ‘the link’, to protect animals and protect people.
Hestia says, “Each year, NO MORE Week brings together people from every corner of society and the world to say “NO MORE” to domestic abuse and sexual violence. It’s a time to shine a spotlight on an epidemic that impacts 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men globally. But it’s more than just about increasing awareness; it’s about collective action. When individuals, organizations, and communities get involved in the movement to stop and prevent abuse, we are louder, stronger, and more impactful. Here is a link to our No More Week Partner Toolkit which can be downloaded (attached also). Please do let us know if you are able to get involved and what you are planning to do. We look forward to reading your emails, posts, and pictures.”
Please share this message during No More Week, if it is safe for you to do so, and tag us in your actions – we’d love to know how you’re supporting No More Week 2025.
