The Link Between Abuse of Animals and Abuse of People: The Veterinary Team
Thursday, 13 March 2025, 6.45 pm - 8 pm
In this webinar, The Links Group raises awareness of the link between the abuse of people and animals.
Are you concerned that a patient has been deliberately harmed? Need advice on what to do if you ever face such a situation?
Join this webinar with The Links Group’s Founding Trustees, Paula Boyden and Vicki Betton, as they discuss the complexities of abuse and provide guidance on navigating these delicate situations in the workplace as a veterinary professional.
This webinar will include discussions on the mistreatment of animals and people. We understand these topics can be distressing, so please step away from the session if you feel overwhelmed.
The session will also highlight the strength of the human-animal bond, the role of veterinary professionals and how we can safely intervene if abuse of any nature is suspected.
We will explore:
🔗 The link between abuse of animals and abuse of people
The link between animal abuse and domestic abuse is well documented, with pets often used as part of coercive control by perpetrators. This includes the threat of – or actual harm – to the family pet.
🩻 Diagnosis of non-accidental injury in animals (NAI)
The diagnostic indicators for NAI are exactly that, they are not pathognomonic, which contributes to these being challenging cases.
📓 Reporting suspected abuse: client confidentiality
There is understandable concern about breaching client confidentiality. The supporting guidance of the RCVS code of professional conduct specifically addresses suspected abuse.
🧠 Staying within our area of expertise
It is not the role of the veterinary team to definitively prove that an animal has been abused but to report concerns accordingly. The same applies to deciding how cases should be addressed, and dealing with human abuse (either suspected or through disclosure from a client). Signposting information will be provided.
Since 2001, webinar host The Links Group has been at the forefront of raising awareness about the link between the abuse of people and animals in the UK. For more information about their work, visit: https://thelinksgroup.org.uk/veterinary-team-guidance/.
The Ralph has partnered with The Links Group to raise awareness of this topic. The Ralph is the UK’s largest independent (non-university, non-corporate) specialist referral centre for cats and dogs. Visit theralph.vet for more information.
Together, let us feel empowered with informed advice on how to protect our non-human friends.
When? Thursday, 13 March 2025, 6.45 pm - 8 pm
Where? Online Event