RSPCA Pet Retreat Scheme
The RSPCA is requesting that families take in pets in an effort to bring down domestic violence in Wales.
Violent abusers are believed to further terrorize their victims with threats of cruelty or violence against their pets.
A new scheme run by the RSPCA - the Pet Retreat scheme endeavours to remove pets from situations where abuse is prominent and attempts to re-house them, which in turn helps their owners to leave violent or abusive relationships earlier than they otherwise might.
As part of national ongoing domestic abuse research, the government has asked that caring families who are in the position to offer a foster home to a pet to come forward.
The Pet Retreat programme, which was previously known as PetSafe, began in the summer of 2002 as a scheme which worked in conjunction with domestic abuse shelters in Western England and was later launched throughout Wales during 2007.
The programme endeavours to end the cycle of violent behaviour and terrorization related to abuse by removing pets from the home.
Official research has confirmed that abusers often exploit the love between their victims and a pet to prevent their victims from ending the relationship, by intimidating animals and in many instances subjecting them to cruel acts of violence. This behaviour often sees a victim reluctant to leave the animal in the care of their abuser and often prolongs violent relationships. Many shelters and refuges for the victims of domestic abuse are unable to provide refuge for victims’ pets.
Social justice minister Brian Gibbons said recently:-
“Pets are often cherished by victims of domestic abuse, but this often makes the pet a target of abuse.
If the victim seeks help the abuser may threaten or hurt the pet. This is another barrier preventing them from escaping.
A vital part of this scheme is the volunteer foster families. People are needed to open their homes to these pets while families are in transition.
By helping these pets, volunteers enable victims of domestic abuse to get help.”