East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the RSPCA are offering online training for vets, groomers and other pet-care professionals to explain how abusers use pets to control victims. Held during Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, the sessions cover signs of animal-related abuse, how perpetrators use threats or neglect to manipulate victims, and how to refer people to specialist support. Sessions take place on 14 and 21 October; further information is available via the council's DVAP website.
Online Sessions Teach Pet Professionals How Abusers Use Animals To Control Victims
Victims' fear for their pet's safety can be "a significant barrier" to seeking help or leaving, officials say [East Riding of Yorkshire Council]
East Riding of Yorkshire Council's domestic violence and abuse partnership (DVAP) team and the RSPCA are running free online sessions to help animal-care professionals recognise how domestic abusers can use pets to control and manipulate victims.
What The Training Covers
The sessions, held as part of Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, explain common tactics used by perpetrators—including threats, deliberate harm or neglect of animals—to exert power and stop victims from seeking help. Attendees will learn how to spot physical and behavioural signs of abuse in both people and animals, how to respond sensitively, and where to signpost victims to specialist support services.
Who Should Attend
Target audience: vets, veterinary nurses, groomers, pet sitters, boarding and day-care staff, animal welfare officers and other pet-care professionals who may encounter at-risk households.
“We're committed to working with all parts of society to tackle violence against women and girls,”
—Councillor Lyn Healing, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Protection
Officials note that fear for a pet's safety can be "a significant barrier" that prevents victims from leaving abusive relationships or contacting help. The training will emphasise victim-centred, practical approaches to keep both people and animals safer, and will signpost to local and national support services.
Dates: The online sessions are scheduled for 14 and 21 October. For more information and registration details, visit the council's DVAP website or contact the East Riding Council domestic abuse team.
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