£2,000 Donation from Devon & Cornwall Police to Help Domestic Abuse Victims and Their Pets

Devon & Cornwall Police Support Charity with Cash Seized from Criminals

Devon & Cornwall Police have provided a £2,000 donation to Refuge4Pets, a charity dedicated to supporting both people and pets affected by domestic abuse across the two counties. The funds, sourced from the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), will assist Refuge4Pets in offering vital training sessions to professionals who work with domestic abuse victims.

Refuge4Pets is renowned for its specialist animal fostering service, which allows victim-survivors of domestic abuse to leave dangerous situations without abandoning their beloved pets. This service is crucial, as many temporary accommodations do not permit animals, often forcing individuals to remain with abusive partners to avoid leaving their pets behind. In some cases, abusers even exploit pets to maintain control over their victims.

Essential Training for Professionals

Mary Wakeham, CEO of Refuge4Pets, expressed the significance of the donation, stating that it will enable the charity to enhance the training and resources they provide to professionals. This training is designed to help professionals understand the critical link between domestic abuse and animal abuse, ultimately promoting the safety of both human and animal victims.

Mary also highlighted the ongoing need for volunteer animal foster carers, urging those with time to spare to consider helping out. Refuge4Pets covers all costs associated with fostering, including veterinary treatment, making it easier for volunteers to contribute.

A Lifeline for Victims and Their Pets

Since its establishment in 2017, Refuge4Pets has made a significant impact on the community. The charity has supported 382 families, arranged for 656 animals to be fostered, and reunited 479 pets with their families. Additionally, the charity has provided professional training to nearly 7,500 people, equipping them with the knowledge needed to support victim-survivors effectively.

Refuge4Pets is backed by Dame Jenni Murray, a well-known broadcaster and journalist who served as the presenter of Woman’s Hour on BBC Radio 4.

For those interested in learning more about Refuge4Pets or becoming a volunteer foster carer, you can reach them by phone at 0300 4000 121 or via email at info@refuge4pets.org.uk. Victims of domestic abuse in Devon and Cornwall can report incidents to the police by calling 101 or visiting Advice about domestic abuse | Devon & Cornwall Police. Additional support can be accessed online at Victim Care Devon and Cornwall.

Photo: The Refuge4Pets charity team, including Tami, Terri, Vicki, Kelly, Rhi, and Anne-Marie, with Rufus the dog.