Vets taught to spot signs of domestic abuse

Vets in Jersey are to receive specialist training on the link between animal abuse and domestic violence.

The training, which will help staff spot warning signs, is part of broader efforts to make the island safer for women and girls.

The move follows research by the Dogs Trust UK, which found nearly nine in 10 professionals had encountered cases where pets were also harmed in domestic violence cases, and most recognised that animals can be used to control or intimidate victims.

The training was one of 77 recommendations in Jersey's Violence Against Women and Girls report, published last November.

It has now been confirmed that £5,400 has been allocated by the government to deliver the programme, which will be run by the UK charity, the Links Group.

The group specialises in raising awareness of the connections between abuse of people and animals.

The funding will cover online and in-person sessions for all veterinary staff – including vets, nurses, students, and receptionists.

Pam Aubert, chief executive of the JSPCA, said the organisation is "excited" to be part of this really important initiative.

"We are there for the animals, but we also are there for the people - we have to be for both," she said.

Social workers and related professionals will also be invited to take part.

Training will begin with an online module this month, followed by in-person sessions in September.

Topics will include how to identify abuse, recognise injuries that may be non-accidental, and understand the legal and safeguarding frameworks in place.

Two full-day training events will be held to minimise disruption to practices.

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