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Animal cruelty clue to domestic violence |
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Wednesday, 16 May 2007 |
The chairman of an influential UK group investigating links between child abuse, domestic violence and animal cruelty has today called for better reporting of potential cases.
Jonathan Silk, regional director of the RSPCA, said that the scale of
the cross-over was probably masked by relatively low levels of
cross-reporting across the species barrier and said "we must do better".
The multi-agency Links Group, which also includes the SSPCA, was set up
in 2001 to encourage all organisations to work together to aid the
prevention and detection of related cases of abuse.
One of the main achievements of the Links Group has been the
introduction of a joint RSPCA and NSPCC inspector training programme to
encourage greater cross-reporting. Last year social services referred
over 600 cases to the RSPCA.
Data collected by domestic violence charities show that pets are often
being used to coerce, control and intimidate and many women remain in a
violent relationship because they cannot leave their pets behind.
As a result, a number of pet fostering services have been set up around
the country by various charities, including Dogs Trust and the RSPCA
and demand for their services is high.
Since the Links Group’s formation, two thirds of veterinary
undergraduates have been trained to identify non-accidental injuries in
animals and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Guide to
Professional Conduct now contains an annexe on animal abuse, child
abuse and domestic violence and provides advice on breaching
confidentiality under certain circumstances.
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