Urgent call for volunteers to temporarily foster dogs belonging to women fleeing domestic violence

The Freedom Project, the Dogs Trust dog fostering scheme, is proving so successful that the charity are appealing for more voluntary dog foster carers to keep up with demand. Since its introduction in 2004, over 280 dogs have been helped.

Could you provide a temporary home to a dog like one here?

The link between domestic violence and animal abuse

Research* has indicated that there is a link between animal abuse and domestic violence. Men who are violent to women may threaten to harm or actually kill a beloved pet in order to intimidate their partner into obedience and silence. Many women remain in a violent domestic situation for fear of what might happen to their pet if they flee without it.
 
Clare Kivlehan, Dogs Trust Freedom Project Manager, explains:

“We urgently need more foster carers in the Yorkshire and Greater London areas to ensure this service can be provided for all women that need it. The scheme has been in huge demand; we receive calls daily from women and referral agencies that need our help."

Dogs Trust are looking for volunteers with experience of owning or caring for dogs. They must be available during the day to look after the dog and must be flexible about the breed they will foster. Volunteers must be available for a minimum of six months.

Foster Carer Sarah* says:

“It’s a fantastic way to have the opportunity to look after a dog without the permanent life time commitment and, at the same time, know you are helping a family escape domestic violence.”

All costs are covered by Dogs Trust and Freedom Project staff are on hand to provide help and support 24 hours a day. Total anonymity is guaranteed for carers and women using the service.

For more information regarding becoming a foster carer or to use this service, contact the Freedom Project on 0800 298 9199, email freedomproject@dogstrust.org.uk or write to Freedom Project, PO Box 50208, London EC1V 7XP.

If you are suffering domestic violence call the Freephone 24 hour National Domestic Helpline on 0808 2000 247 run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge. The freephone helpline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and all calls are confidential.

* names changed
ENDS

* Links Group publication ‘Understanding the links (child abuse, animal abuse and domestic violence)’. Can be downloaded as a PDF file at:
http://www.nspcc.org.uk/inform/downloads/UnderstandingTheLinks.pdf

Available for Interview:
Clare Kivlehan  Freedom Project Manager
Chris Laurence  Dogs Trust Veterinary Director
Freedom Project Client Currently using the Freedom Project
Dog Foster Carer Currently fostering dog(s) through the Freedom Project

For more information, please contact Press Officer Krystyna McGrath
Krystyna McGrath  0207 833 7616
Email Krystyna McGrath

Case studies are available, however due to the extremely sensitive nature of the issue, anonymity must be upheld. All names must be changed and stock images used.

For further information about Refuge please visit http://www.refuge.org.uk/
For further information about Women’s Aid please visit http://www.womensaid.org.uk/

Dogs Trust is working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.