Tag: Freedom Project

Dogs Trust sees 85% increase in dogs being referred in Scotland so owners can flee domestic abuse

  • 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. 

New research shows scale of abuse to animals in domestic abuse cases

  • In this research, 88%1 of households involved in domestic abuse, animals were also abused by the perpetrator
  • In over 1 in 10 (12%)2 of households researched, animals were brutally killed by perpetrators to punish, frighten and entrap
  • Where a pet was given as a ‘gift’, abuse against the animal occurred in 94%3 of these households
  • Dogs Trust reaches landmark milestone of 2,000 dogs fostered through its specialist domestic support service. In Scotland 115 dogs have been fostered. More foster carers are urgently needed throughout Scotland to help people and their dogs fleeing domestic abuse.
  • 16 days of action against gender-based violence begins tomorrow (25th November)7

Almost nine in 101 households who experienced domestic abuse have said that animals were also abused by the perpetrators, according to shocking new research carried out by Refuge4Pets who work in partnership with Dogs Trust.

These figures have been released as Dogs Trust reaches a milestone 2,000 dogs fostered on its Freedom Project, supporting people fleeing domestic abuse by providing temporary accommodation for their dogs.

The research surveyed 107 victim-survivors of domestic abuse and interviewed victim-survivors across the country, to better understand the link between domestic abuse and animal abuse.

Worryingly, the research – carried out by Dr Mary Wakeham – showed that in one in ten (12%)2 of households where domestic abuse was present, the animal – and often multiple animals – had been killed. 

Furthermore, in 94%3 of households where an animal was given as a ‘gift’, the animals were then abused and, in some cases, killed by the perpetrator – demonstrating that pets are used as tools by perpetrators of domestic abuse to control and coerce.

In addition to the physical abuse that pets may suffer, Dogs Trust found that 97%4 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, launching in Scotland in 2019.

The project works alongside 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 and in 30 counties across England. This year the Freedom Project will have fostered 2,000 dogs and helped 1825 people since launching.

In Scotland we have fostered 115 dogs and supported 86 people to flee domestic abuse. We have also reunited 96 dogs with their families since launching. During the pandemic, incidents of domestic abuse soared and the charity fostered 64%5 more dogs across the country in 2020 and 2021, compared to the previous two years.

Amy Hyde, Freedom Project Manager at Dogs Trust said: “Unfortunately, this new research revealing further links between animal abuse and domestic abuse is not shocking to us.

“We see first-hand the myriad 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.

“This year we mark the 2,000th dog fostered through the Freedom Project since we began. This sobering milestone demonstrates 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.”

Audrey6 and her dog, Millie6, were supported by the Freedom Project in Scotland, she said of her experience:

“I had been in the relationship for many years and at one point I was completely reliant on my ex-partner. You don’t realise what’s happening at the time, they had full control over everything.

“I ended up falling out with my family because of the relationship and that made me even more isolated, particularly when the pandemic hit.

“During lockdown, we were in the house together 24/7, the physical abuse was bad but the emotional abuse was much, much worse.

“My ex-partner never hurt Millie, but it was always in the back of my mind, what would happen if I left her? The minute tensions rose Millie would run away and hide. She has witnessed a lot of abuse which has really affected her. You can’t raise your voice around her otherwise she cowers.

“I think if I had known about the Freedom Project earlier, I would have left years ago. I remember sitting outside praying to the stars for someone to give me some ideas – I just didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t lose my dog; I would have rather lived in my car. If it wasn’t for Dogs Trust having a safe place for Millie to go, I would have stayed and I honestly don’t think I would have survived.

“At one point I let the team know it was Millie’s birthday, they sent me photos of Millie with her birthday presents. I cried my eyes out when I received those photos, just to know she was being so spoiled was incredible.

“It was amazing to be reunited with Millie, as I walked around the corner she recognised me instantly. It has been such a difficult road to get here but I am so proud of what I’ve achieved. I’m free and I’m me and that’s all that matters.”

Marsha Scott, CEO of Scottish Women’s Aid said: “We know that one of the problems for survivors accessing housing or refuge is the fear of what will happen to their pets.

“This research highlights just how commonly perpetrators use animals as one of their tools to coerce and abuse. There is already so much loss for a family experiencing domestic abuse, including for many having to leave their home.

“Having a service like the Freedom Project is invaluable in helping increase choices and space for action while providing stability and safety for survivors and their dogs in the process of recovery.”

Dogs Trust Freedom Project urgently 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 0800 298 9199.