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According to the Guardian in April, “the number of domestic killings has doubled during lockdown and frontline services report record-breaking cries for help.” More recent figures suggest the figure is even higher With people locked down at home with their abuser, the violence has increased, and opportunities to leave have decreased.
We know that when humans are abused animals are at risk. are clearly aware of the unprecedented times we are in with the current sanctions on movement and social interaction due to COVID-19. Whilst these are absolutely necessary, we wish to highlight the unintended consequences which are affecting thousands of people and will have an impact on the profession.
Since the beginning of the lockdown on 23rd March, calls to the National Domestic Abuse helpline have increased by 25%. Similarly, in the 2 weeks up to 31st March, domestic homicides in England and Wales doubled. The link between violence to people and violence to animals is well documented; the family pet is often part of the domestic abuse cycle with perpetrators using the pet to exert power and control over their victim.
Given the statistics, it is very likely that there will be an increase of non-accidental injury (NAI) and violence towards animals in these situations. In light of this, we urge colleagues to consider NAI / deliberate injury as a differential in cases of traumatic injury in pets, especially as there should be fewer road traffic accidents with lower traffic volumes and limited movement at this time.
If colleagues have concerns or suspicions of NAI, we would encourage admission of an animal for observation to allow for time for investigations to be conducted. In an emergency where there is an immediate threat to either a person or an animal then the police should be called using the 999 system.
The Links Group’s guidance for the veterinary team on dealing with suspected abuse can be found at:
https://thelinksgroup.org.uk/veterinary-team-guidance
So, what can veterinary teams do right now?
