Author: Jessica Ross, BSc (Hons), RVN

ABSTRACT There is a significant connection between domestic violence and animal abuse, with up to 89% of women who had experienced an abusive relationship stating that their intimate partner had harmed or threatened their companion animal. This study aimed to assess the awareness of the connection between domestic violence and animal abuse within the UK veterinary industry, and to determine the role and efficacy of veterinary professionals in terms of reporting cases of abuse, barriers to reporting and perceptions of the implementation of additional support. The study found that veterinary professionals in the UK who completed a questionnaire (n = 161) demonstrated awareness of the links between domestic violence and animal abuse, but many noted a hesitance to report. Barriers to reporting potential cases included a lack of evidence; inadequate training or guidance, resulting in general uncertainty on how to manage cases of suspected abuse; inability to provide appropriate support to clients, including lack of knowledge of support organisations; and concerns about client confidentiality and the client–practice relationship. Of the participants, 93.8% felt that the implementation of additional guidelines and protocols would be beneficial. The author concludes that there is a requirement for further training and guidelines to assist veterinary professionals with reporting cases of animal abuse and
potential domestic violence.
Keywords domestic violence, animal abuse, veterinary, reporting, non-accidental injury

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56496/CUIJ2307

To cite this article: Ross, J. (2026) An investigation into the links between domestic violence and animal abuse: the role of the veterinary professional. VNJ 41(5) pp14-21.

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