55% increase in dogs referred so owners can flee domestic abuse
We have released worrying figures showing a 55% increase in dogs being referred through to our fostering service.
- Dogs Trust sees 55% increase in dogs referred through its specialist domestic abuse support service
- Our Freedom Project supports people fleeing domestic abuse by providing temporary accommodation for their dogs
- We are appealing for more foster carers to help people and their dogs fleeing domestic abuse
- Alongside three specialist charities – Cats Protection, Refuge4Pets and Endeavour, we are working collaboratively to support pet owners experiencing domestic abuse
- Figures released to coincide with 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence which begins on 25th November.*
The Breakdown
More dogs than ever before are being referred through our specialist pet fostering service which supports people fleeing domestic abuse by providing temporary accommodation for their dogs.
From January to September this year, we have seen 1,213 dogs referred to our Freedom Project service, compared to 782 during the same period in 2021, a sobering statistic which demonstrates just how vital the service is as the demand is growing year on year. Pets are often abused and, in some cases, killed by the perpetrator of domestic abuse in order to control and coerce their victim. Our survey of professionals working in the domestic abuse sector revealed that 97%** of them had supported someone whose pet had been used to control or coerce them.
In 2004 we launched our Freedom Project, offering vital support for dog owners escaping from domestic abuse, fostering 2,400 dogs and helping 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.
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. Cats Protection’s Paws Protect works in partnership with us in London and the South East and will soon be expanding into Yorkshire. Refuge4Pets operates in Devon and Cornwall, whilst Endeavour works in the North West of England.
Carlie's Story
Carlie*** is a victim/survivor supported by our Freedom Project when she was escaping domestic abuse. We fostered her dogs so she could seek safety.
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.
Carlie
Request temporary foster care for your dog
If you’d like to have a chat about referring your dog to our Freedom Project, pop us an email or give us a call and we’ll be happy to talk you through the process.
If you decide our service is right for you, we’ll be here for you every step of the way.
Become a Freedom Project fosterer
Our service is only possible thanks to the support and commitment of our amazing volunteer foster carers who love and care for the dogs in their own homes.
If you have experience caring for dogs, are at home most of the day and can commit to fostering for at least six months, we’d love to hear from you – get in touch with our friendly team today and make a real difference in the lives of a dog and their family.
Discover more about becoming a fosterer
Cats Protection
Cats Protection needs more cat foster carers in London, the South East and Yorkshire 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 their fostering page or contact via email or by calling: 0345 260 1280
Donate to the Freedom Project
Our Freedom Project has enabled countless people to find safety with their beloved dog. So many people stay in difficult situations, because they feel it's the only way they can protect their beloved pet.
Will you join us in our mission to help dog owners experiencing domestic abuse?
Research appendix:
*The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual campaign which spans both the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and runs until Human Rights Day.
**A survey conducted July 2019 of 369 professionals supporting victims/survivors of domestic abuse (including refuges, domestic abuse services, social workers / Social Care Providers, police Officers, housing Association and Local Authority Housing/Homelessness Teams).
***All names of Freedom Project clients have been changed to protect their anonymity and safety.
Photos by Olivia Hemingway
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