Domestic Abuse and Pet Abuse – 16 Days of Action

Eliminating gender-based violence is the aim of ‘16 Days of Action’, an annual international campaign which runs from 25th November until 10th December.

Established in 1991, the ’16 Days of Action’ is an initiative that aims to raise awareness of the reality of domestic abuse and push for positive change to increase women and men’s safety.

Whilst the roots of the campaign lies in highlighting the nature and prevalence of gender-based violence against women, Alpha Vesta’s mission is to ‘break the cycle of domestic abuse’ regardless of gender or sexuality.  

For this reason, we have chosen to highlight an aspect of domestic abuse that affects the whole family and we urge friends, family, work colleagues and communities to join us in raising awareness of the link between Domestic Abuse and Pet Abuse.

We will be running our free ‘Domestic Abuse and Pets 1hr Awareness Session’ via Zoom on 28th November at 2pm.  You can book your place on Eventbrite using the following link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/enhanced-awareness-domestic-abuse-and-pets-1hr-tickets-145339617709

We have also prepared 16 images along with insight and supporting statistics around this complex link and invite you to share them across your social media platform, workplace intranet/forums and across your community.  There is  one image for each day however you can share as many or as few as you are able to.

Suggested Post Wording to accompany Images:

Domestic Abuse and Pet Abuse have a complex relationship.  Pets are frequently abused in this context as much as a victim or child is.  A pet can be prevented from being taken to the vets, underfed or harmed by someone in the home who is intent on being in total control.  When attempting to flee domestic abuse, leaving a much loved pet behind is one of the most difficult decisions a victim will ever have to make. This creates an enormous barrier in breaking the cycle.

Visit the RSPCA Website for advice and guidance or visit www.alphavesta.com to access some basic training in how to spot the signs of domestic abuse and respond safely as well as a list of other support services.

#domestic abuse #domesticabuseandpetabuse #alphavesta #breakingthecycle #betheirvoice

Best wishes
Lucy Whittaker

Founding Director and Lead Trainer of Alpha Vesta CIC