- Dogs Trust sees 85% increase in dogs referred through its specialist domestic abuse support service
- Dogs Trust Freedom Project supports people fleeing domestic abuse by providing temporary accommodation for their dogs.
- Dogs Trust has fostered over 150 dogs in Scotland since its launch in 2018
- The charity is appealing for more foster carers to help people and their dogs fleeing domestic abuse
- Figures released to coincide with 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence which begins on 25th November1
Worrying figures released by Dogs Trust show that they have seen an 85% increase in dogs in Scotland being referred through its specialist pet fostering service, The Freedom Project, which supports people fleeing domestic abuse by providing temporary accommodation for their dogs.
These figures have been released as Dogs Trust announces it has fostered 153 dogs in Scotland since launching its Freedom Project four years ago.
From January to September this year, Dogs Trust has seen 89 dogs referred to its Freedom Project service in Scotland compared to 48 the same period the previous year, a sobering statistic which demonstrates just how vital the service is as the charity experiences a growing demand year on year.
Pets are often abused and, in some cases, killed by the perpetrator of domestic abuse in order to control and coerce. In addition to the physical abuse that pets may suffer, Dogs Trust found that 97%2 of professionals working in the domestic abuse sector also said that animals are often used as a means of controlling someone experiencing domestic abuse.
In 2004 Dogs Trust launched its Freedom Project, offering vital support for dog owners escaping from domestic abuse and launched the service two years ago in East Anglia.
To date, the Freedom Project has fostered 2,400 dogs and helped 1,900 people. The project works alongside three other specialist pet fostering services; Cats Protection Paws Protect, Endeavour and Refuge4Pets providing foster homes for pets and enabling survivors to access safe accommodation without the fear of what may happen to their pet if left behind.
As many refuges are unable to accept pets, these important services give survivors the opportunity to escape abuse, safe in the knowledge that their pets will also be safe and well cared for.
The pet fostering organisations are also members of the Links Group, which raises awareness of the links between abuse of animals and humans.
The Freedom Project currently operates across the whole of Scotland, in 30 counties across England and has recently launched in Wales due to a demand for the service in the country.
Sarah Petrov, Freedom Project Regional Manager at Dogs Trust said: “Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in demand for our service, so it’s more important than ever that we are there to support anyone experiencing domestic abuse who needs to flee to safety with their pet.
“We see first-hand the ways that perpetrators use dogs to coerce, control, physically harm and threaten within abusive relationships. This is incredibly frightening for survivors and is often aimed to leave people isolated.
“We have heard of perpetrators not letting survivors walk their dogs alone, stopping them from accessing vet care for their dogs or being able to spend money on dog food and even repeatedly threatening to harm, kill or ‘get rid’ of their dogs.
“To instil fear and entrap, perpetrators prey on the strong bonds people have with their beloved pets – making these animals vulnerable to abuse because of the psychological and emotional damage that this causes. As many refuges are unable to accept pets, survivors are understandably concerned about their dog’s safety when they need to escape; the Freedom Project offers them a vital lifeline.
“Whilst we are pleased to have been able to help so many people, there is still very much a need for our service, and we urgently need more foster carers across the UK so that we can continue this life-saving work.”
Carlie is a victim/survivor supported by Dogs Trust’s Freedom Project when she was escaping domestic abuse. The charity fostered her dogs so she could seek safety.
She said: “I had to leave my home with my children as I was experiencing domestic abuse. I was offered temporary accommodation from the council, but they wouldn’t accept my dogs who we consider part of our family.
“The thought of giving them up was absolutely heart-breaking as the dogs had been the only constant in the children’s lives during such unsettled times at home; the dogs had always helped and supported them and this was another reason we felt trapped in an abusive home with no way out.
“He knew how important the safety of the children and dogs was to me and therefore used this as a means of control.
“I heard about the Freedom Project from my support worker and within a few days we were making arrangements for them to go into foster – the relief was amazing.
“We are now all reunited, happy and safe in our new home thanks to the Freedom Project. We couldn’t have done it without them.”
A spokesperson from West Lothian Women’s Aid, said: “The Freedom Project is a life-saving programme for women who are fleeing domestic abuse.
“Their dogs are not just pets but part of their family so won’t leave their pets behind meaning they end up staying in the abusive relationship. With the Freedom Project, women can flee safely, knowing their dog will be well looked after and will be reunited when they are settled into their own home.”
Dogs Trust Freedom Project needs more specialist foster carers in Scotland to support this vital service.
If you think you can help, would like to donate or would like more information on the service, please visit:
www.dogstrustfreedomproject.org.uk
or email freedomproject@dogstrust.org.uk or call 0808 169 4315.